Step into this paradise for wetland birds and discover booming Bitterns and brightly-coloured Kingfishers.
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 plant life removed on rotation to maintain a variety of habitats. The cuttings are then turned into soil conditioner (available to buy from our car park) which can be used on gardens and allotments.
Our car park is open daily in line with the below times and it is closed and locked outside of these hours using an automatically operated gate.
o 1 November - 31 January: 5am - 6.30pm.
o 1 February - 31 March: 5am - 8pm.
o 1 April - 30 August: 5am -10pm.
o 1 September – 31 October: 5am - 8pm.
The car park has 120 spaces of which 5 are Blue Badge spaces.
2 additional Blue Badge spaces are available within the reserve, close to viewing platforms and viewing facilities. These spaces are not suitable for vehicles such as Minibus’s or Motorhomes due to the access route. These spaces are accessed with a RADAR key. RADAR keys can be borrowed from the Info Point.
No overnight parking or camping is permitted. There is no height restriction barrier.
Please be respectful of other visitor access, our team and our neighbours by not parking on the road, verges or in gateways, as it causes an obstruction for residents and emergency services.
Bicycle racks are available close to the car park.
Our toilets are open daily in line with car park opening times.
They are located in a separate block near to our Information Point.
Our baby changing facilities are located in our accessible toilet near to our Information Point.
The Main Track and Reedbed Trail, Waltons Screens and Tor View Hide are pushchair accessible.
The Main Track and Reedbed Trail, Waltons Screens and Tor View Hide are wheelchair accessible.
Our toilets are open daily in line with car park opening times.
They are located in a separate block near to our Information Point.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Dogs are welcome on the public footpaths around the nature reserve.
Please keep to the designated rights of way only, with your dog on a short lead due to the sensitive wildlife here.
The Reedbed trail, Waltons Heath trail and Loxtons Marsh trail, are not public footpaths, so no dogs are permitted here except assistance dogs.
Dogs are welcome on the Ham Wall Loop apart from the path to the Avalon Hide.
A dog water bowl is available at the car park info point.
There are no dog waste bins on the reserve, we ask that you take the waste home with you to dispose of.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
A dog water bowl is available at the side of the info point in the car park.
There are no dog waste bins on the reserve, we ask that you take the waste home with you to dispose of.
The take-off and landing of drones/UAVs on RSPB Ham Wall is not permitted without permission from the Site Manager.
Cycling on the reserve is restricted to the designated route (Bittern Trail) on the hard-standing Main Track. Bike racks are available at a number of locations, or you are welcome to push your bikes along the grass paths to explore the reserve. Please do not cycle on the grass paths or in the Mini Marshes for the safety of our visitors and wildlife.
Download our trail map, or find accessibility information to help you plan your visit.
Discover exciting events all year at Ham Wall. Join us for guided dusk walks or hire our wildlife explorer backpack!
For group visits to RSPB Ham Wall (10+ people or external tours), please pre-book by emailing ham.wall@rspb.org.uk; note that coaches are not permitted from 1 November to 29 February. Follow us for updates on Facebook and Instagram.
Starling murmurations are a true wonder of the natural world and the Avalon Marshes host this amazing wildlife spectacle.
We know that Ham Wall is a special place for many. If you or your loved one have shared happy memories there, you can make a donation to the reserve on our dedication page. It can be in celebration or in memory, and you can post an image along with your message.
