The Avalon Marshes

The Avalon Marshes, a magical wetland landscape, lies at the heart of Somerset’s Levels and Moors. It is nationally important for its rich cultural heritage and diversity of wildlife, with Glastonbury Tor, the Isle of Avalon and some of Britain’s best wetland nature reserves.

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Wetland Wildlife

The Avalon Marshes is part of Somerset’s Levels and Moors, one of the largest lowland wetlands in Britain. It is internationally important for wildlife. See murmurations of starlings; listen to booming bitterns; be enchanted by colourful meadows; watch butterflies and dragonflies; and if you are very lucky glimpse otters at play.

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Meare Fish House in the landscape

10,000 Years

Inhabited since the end of the last ice age, the Avalon Marshes has slowly been reclaimed from the sea and bears the evidence of history. Ancient trackways crossed the marshes in the Stone Age; Iron Age dwellers built lake villages; Romans extracted salt; the medieval period saw the influence of Glastonbury Abbey; the industrial revolution brought canals and railways.

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Isle of Avalon

Mystical Glastonbury is reputed to be the ancient Isle of Avalon.  A thriving town it is home to Glastonbury Abbey and Glastonbury Tor, which looks out over the Avalon Marshes and beyond. Legends abound including King Arthur and his sword Excalibur, and Joseph of Arimethea and the Holy Thorn.

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Our nature reserves

Misty sunset

We have some amazing places for nature at the Avalon Marshes.  Find out more here, including information about dog walking on the reserves…

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Get on your bike

Cyclists and Tor

A great way to explore our flat lands, and we have circular cycle routes to guide you around our heritage highlights…

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History and Heritage

Glastonbury lake Village

The landscape here is unique with a valuable legacy of history and archaeology…

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Wonderful Wildlife

Female Marsh Harrier in flight

The Avalon Marshes is a very special place to see wildlife whatever time of year you visit…

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Upcoming Events

Minibeast Safari at RSPB Ham Wall

Join us on a hunt to discover what different minibeasts are lurking in the long grass at RSPB Ham Wall! Summer is an exciting time for minibeasts, from beetles, bees and butterflies to woodlouse, there’s plenty to find and identify…. Read more…

Day: Thursday
Date: 11/08/2022

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Shapwick Dragonfly Walk – Sun14th August

Discover the dazzling array of dragon and damselflies that make Shapwick Heath their home, learning some essential identification skills along the way on this guided walk with reserve staff and expert volunteers.

Day: Sunday
Date: 14/08/2022

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Minibeast Safari at RSPB Ham Wall

Join us on a hunt to discover what different minibeasts are lurking in the long grass at RSPB Ham Wall! Summer is an exciting time for minibeasts, from beetles, bees and butterflies to woodlouse, there’s plenty to find and identify…. Read more…

Day: Thursday
Date: 18/08/2022

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Keeping in Touch

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The Avalon Marshes Partnership

 

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