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The refurbished and improved Meare Heath and Decoy hides on Natural England’s Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve have now re-opened, and what a great change. The hides used to be dark and to some could feel rather un-welcoming when you first walked in. Solid shutters may have kept the wind and rain out but they also kept the light out. The upgraded hides now have glazed shutters letting lots of light in, making the hides feel warmer and give great views all round no matter how wet the weather!  In addition to the visible new glazed shutters and timber treatment less obvious work has been carried out such as replacing the approach ramps which had reached the end of their life.

These works have been funded by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) with Kier Services as managing contractors. Further work is already underway and in the pipeline. The contractors are currently working on the Tower Hide at Bridgewater Bay NNR and will return to Shapwick Heath in August to build the new, enlarged, Noah’s hide and a new “70 Acres” hide.

If you have any queries regarding this work please do not hesitate in contacting Simon Clarke Senior Reserves Manager at Natural England on 01458 860120 or e-mail somersetavonandwiltshire@naturalengland.org.uk

The view from Decoy hide – image AMLP staff