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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Avalon Marshes Centre – New Cafe

Avalon Hub Tea Stop logo

The “Avalon Hub Tea Stop” has recently opened at the Avalon Marshes Centre with a range of refreshments available seven days a week

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Summer Exploring

Cyclists and Tor

Warm weather, long days, colourful wildflowers and birds busy feeding their young. Summer is a wonderful time to explore the Avalon Marshes.   Why not pick up one of our walks or cycle leaflets and explore our wonderful area?

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History and Heritage

Glastonbury lake Village

The Avalon Marshes is a landscape of rich resources, not of coal and iron but of food, peat and water.  These give the marshes their special character and have left a wonderful legacy of history and archaeology.

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Wonderful Wildlife

Kingfisher

The Avalon Marshes is a very special place to see and enjoy wildlife whatever time of year you visit. There are four National Nature Reserves and lots of other areas teeming with wetland wildlife.

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Tweets liked by Avalon Marshes


Upcoming Events

Processions: Two Banners, One Voice

Exhibition open at Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury from 16 June to 2 September Somerset Rural Life Museum and Somerset Art Works are delighted to present a new exhibition marking the centenary of the Representation of the People Act. The Act… Read more…

Day: Saturday
Date: 16/06/2018

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National Meadows Day – 30th June

Join Natural England’s Senior ecologist and members of RoAM (Recorders of the Avalon Marshes) on a day’s walk & workshop looking at Shapwick Heath’s fantastic wildflower meadows. Take part in flower identification activities, learn more about how we manage the… Read more…

Day: Saturday
Date: 30/06/2018

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Butterflies for Beginners – 8th July

Join members of RoAM (Recorders of the Avalon Marshes) and Butterfly Conservation for an introductory identification session and guided walk round Shapwick Heath NNR. See our marvelous Silver-Washed Fritillary and White Admiral butterflies at their peak, amongst many other species…. Read more…

Day: Sunday
Date: 08/07/2018

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Keeping in Touch

Avalon Marshes is covered by Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Privacy Policy. This can be found here. 

 

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The Avalon Marshes Partnership

 

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