Ham Wall

Avalon Hide is currently closed

Sadly, Bird Flu has been confirmed in some Canada Geese and Mute Swans here at RSPB Ham Wall nature reserve. The number of birds recovered is relatively low (under 20 birds in 8 weeks) and none in the public areas. So the site remains open currently with one exception. We have taken the decision to close the Avalon Hide as this is a known Barn Owl roosting site which could bring people into close proximity with the virus. The situation is dynamic and we may need to close additional areas in due course.

We are asking our visitors to help by:

• Reporting any dead or dying birds or mammals to staff on site. Please also stay away from them and do not attempt to move them, to protect your personal health and safety. As an extra precaution please do not pick up any bird/mammal related artefacts that might normally be of interest such as feathers, pellets, bones or fur
• Wash your hands after visiting a reserve and before smoking, drinking, eating or touching your face
• Clean footwear thoroughly between reserve visits or visits to the wider countryside where there is known to be bird flu. We advise bringing a clean pair of shoes to change into when leaving the reserve and a carry bag to place dirty footwear into. You should disinfect shoes thoroughly when you get home.
• Please keep dogs on a short lead on our reserves or elsewhere in the countryside where there is known to be bird flu to avoid contact with sick or dead birds or mammals.
• We may have to close additional areas of our reserves for public safety reasons during this outbreak, please look out for any signage.

We thank our visitors for their support at the difficult time and ask them to follow onsite signage, and check here and our Facebook page for any updates.

Ham Wall is a wetland teeming with wildlife – from rare species like Water Voles and Otters to ‘booming’ Bitterns and colourful Kingfishers. Enjoy sweeping views across the marshes to Glastonbury Tor and make some time to follow secluded paths through the mystical landscape.

This Somerset reserve is a true gem where extensive reedbeds give way to open water, creating a paradise for wetland birds, mammals and minibeasts. Elsewhere woodlands and grasslands brim with life and are home to a wide range of wildlife stars.

Ham Wall nature reserve is carefully looked after to create the ideal conditions for wildlife. Reedbeds are cut and plantlife is removed on rotation to maintain a variety of habitats. The cuttings are then turned into soil conditioner which is used on nearby gardens and allotments.

Water levels are also managed for wildlife such as wading birds, while cattle graze the reedbeds and grasslands in the summer months.