The Eels Are Back!

We’re delighted to share that the eels have returned to Avalon Marshes! Building on our successful partnership with the Somerset Eel Recovery Project (SERP) in 2024, the Somerset Wetlands team has launched a new and improved display for summer 2025 at the Avalon Marshes Centre (AMC).

This year’s display features a larger, more immersive space dedicated to the life and conservation of the European Eel. Visitors can observe a live tank of 50 elvers, explore interpretive banners packed with facts about their incredible migratory journey, and view traditional eel pots made from willow alongside modern conservation tools. These include rope ladders and specialist equipment used to build eel ladders, structures that help elvers navigate man-made barriers in our waterways and access the freshwater habitats they need to grow and thrive.

The display is part of SERP’s highly successful ‘Eels in the Classroom‘ programme, which sees elvers cared for in over fifty schools across Somerset. Pupils learn about eel husbandry, biology, and heritage, giving them hands-on experience with this remarkable species. An exception was made to the usual school setting for the AMC as it was felt that keeping the eels in a visitor-facing tourist attraction would allow local residents, day trippers, and holidaymakers to observe and learn about the challenges these fascinating creatures face in their natural environment.

“This partnership with Avalon Marshes has given SERP a fantastic opportunity to open up eel conservation to a wider audience”, according to community engagement lead, Vanessa Becker-Hughes. “By caring for the eels in a space where people can visit, we’re spreading awareness, connecting people with the natural history of Somerset, and providing these young eels with a better chance of survival once they re-enter the river.”

We’re incredibly grateful to the whole team at SERP for providing the elvers, materials, and training, and to long-time eel advocate Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, who generously sponsored this year’s display.

The display will be available to view at AMC throughout the summer, with the eels’ release back into the wild planned for autumn 2025. You can watch a video of last year’s release and find out more about SERP’s inspiring work at: www.somerseteelrecoveryproject.co.uk