Sharpham Moor Nature Reserve
A premier UK birdwatching destination with accessible paths, offering sightings of rare birds, dragonflies, and unique amphibians.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bird migration
Sharpham Moor Nature Reserve
Best Time
Peak bird migration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier UK birdwatching destination with accessible paths, offering sightings of rare birds, dragonflies, and unique amphibians.
"Quite possibly the best bird watching site I've visited in the UK."
Binoculars are a must! :binoculars:
Essential for spotting distant birds and appreciating the finer details of wildlife. Don't forget them!
Check recent sightings :mag:
Local birding reports can guide you to the best spots for rare sightings. Ask staff for tips!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bittern & Water Rail
Reedbeds
Keep an eye out for these elusive birds, often spotted in the reedbeds. A true treat for dedicated birdwatchers!
Egret Encounters
Wetlands
Witness the graceful dance of Great White Egrets and Little Egrets, often seen interacting with Grey Herons.
Dragonfly Delights
Ponds and waterways
During warmer months, the reserve buzzes with dragonflies. A vibrant spectacle for nature lovers.
Iberian Water Frog
Water bodies
A unique sighting for many visitors, this frog adds an exotic touch to the reserve's biodiversity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Bird Sightings
Accessibility & Dog Policy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Binoculars are a must! :binoculars:
Essential for spotting distant birds and appreciating the finer details of wildlife. Don't forget them!
Check recent sightings :mag:
Local birding reports can guide you to the best spots for rare sightings. Ask staff for tips!
Wear comfy shoes :athletic_shoe:
The reserve has scenic boarded walkways, so comfortable footwear is key for exploring.
Pack refreshments :coffee:
While basic facilities exist, there's no indoor seating for food. Bring your own snacks and drinks.
Tips
from all over the internet
Binoculars are a must! :binoculars:
Essential for spotting distant birds and appreciating the finer details of wildlife. Don't forget them!
Check recent sightings :mag:
Local birding reports can guide you to the best spots for rare sightings. Ask staff for tips!
Wear comfy shoes :athletic_shoe:
The reserve has scenic boarded walkways, so comfortable footwear is key for exploring.
Pack refreshments :coffee:
While basic facilities exist, there's no indoor seating for food. Bring your own snacks and drinks.
Guided walks offer insights :walking:
Join a guided walk to learn about the reserve's history and discover hidden wildlife spots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Sharpham Moor Nature Reserve as a top UK birdwatching site, highlighting sightings of rare birds like Bitterns and various egrets. The accessible, scenic walkways are a significant plus, though some note limited wildlife during certain visits and the lack of indoor dining facilities. It's recommended for nature lovers and birding enthusiasts.
"Quite possibly the best bird watching site I've visited in the UK. I especially enjoyed seeing great white egrets, little egrets, and gray herons interacting, and seeing great creasted grebe chicks. We also enjoyed spotting mini beasts.
We just dropped in with small children, on route home from Devon, so didn't get to experience the place to its full potential, but nevertheless we all had fun.
I hope to visit again in the future (probably when the kids are bigger and more patient).
I recommend taking binoculars."
Ben Latham
"Paid £4 to park the car and no other fee charged to enter. Very well laid out with many scenic boarded walkways leading to lookout. We went in August and the walk was about 3 miles overall but limited wildlife. All in all the walk was very scenic and enjoyable."
Iain Laslett
"Slightly tricky to get to, but good (if basic) facilities once there. Be aware that you can buy refreshments on site but there is no indoor area to sit in. The reserve itself is great. Attached photo is view towards Glastonbury Tor from one of the hides."
Richard Willerton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The reserve can be slightly tricky to find, but good signage is available once you're on the right track. Parking is available on site for a small fee.
Yes, there is parking available. It costs around £4, and there's no additional entry fee for the reserve itself.
Information on public transport accessibility is limited, but driving is the most common method. Check local bus routes for potential options.
The reserve is generally open for visitors to explore, but specific opening hours for facilities like visitor centers or cafes may vary. It's best to check their official website or local listings.
Absolutely! It's a perfect destination for a relaxing day trip, offering scenic walks and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the nature reserve itself is free. There is a charge for parking your car.
The parking fee is approximately £4. This is the primary charge for visitors arriving by car.
Information on discounts is not widely available. It's advisable to check the official reserve website or contact them directly for any potential offers.
As entry is free, advance ticket purchase is not necessary. Parking fees are typically paid on arrival.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light and increased wildlife activity, making them ideal for photographers. 
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can spot a variety of birds like Bittern, Cetti's Warbler, Great White Egret, Marsh Harrier, and Hobby. You might also see Iberian water frogs and numerous dragonflies.
Yes, the reserve has well-laid-out, scenic boarded walkways that are mostly level and wide, making them accessible for many visitors.
The reserve is largely accessible due to its level and wide pathways, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads. They are not permitted in all areas, so please adhere to signage.
Basic facilities are available, including parking and restrooms. However, there is no indoor area to sit and eat, so visitors should bring their own refreshments.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no indoor dining facilities or cafes on-site. Visitors are advised to bring their own refreshments and snacks for their visit.
Yes, picnicking is a great option. You can enjoy your packed lunch amidst the natural beauty of the reserve. Remember to take all your litter with you.
Information regarding vending machines is not readily available. It's safest to assume you'll need to bring your own supplies.
Depending on your route, you'll likely find dining options in nearby towns or villages. Research local eateries before your visit.
While not explicitly prohibited, it's generally best to consume alcohol responsibly and discreetly in natural settings. Respect other visitors and the environment.
📸 📸 Photography
The hides offer excellent vantage points for bird photography. The scenic walkways also provide opportunities for landscape and macro shots of flora and fauna.
Birdwatching photography is very popular, with visitors hoping to capture images of rare species like Bitterns and Egrets.
Drones are generally not permitted in nature reserves to avoid disturbing wildlife and other visitors. Always check specific site rules.
Telephoto lenses are highly recommended for bird photography. A macro lens can be useful for capturing insects and plants.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most beautiful light for landscape photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Photographers
+1 The well-maintained, accessible paths allow for comfortable exploration at your own pace. Visiting midweek can offer a more solitary experience, ideal for quiet observation and capturing stunning nature shots during the golden hours. ♿ Visitors with Mobility Needs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Birdwatching Paradise
To enhance your birdwatching experience, bringing binoculars is essential. Many visitors also find success by checking local birding reports for recent sightings. The hides strategically placed around the reserve offer excellent vantage points for observing birds without disturbing them. Remember to be patient and quiet to maximize your chances of spotting elusive species.
Beyond the headline species, the reserve is also a great place to see common garden birds like Blue Tits and Chaffinches at designated feeding stations, as seen in some social media posts.
+2 The interaction between different water birds, such as egrets and herons, is also a highlight for many visitors. Accessibility and Visitor Comfort
While the reserve is accessible, it's important to note that there are some limitations. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a lead at all times, and there are specific areas where dogs are not allowed. Visitors should pay attention to signage to ensure compliance.
Regarding amenities, while the reserve offers basic facilities, it's worth noting that there is no indoor seating area for refreshments. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks to enjoy during their visit, perhaps finding a scenic spot along the pathways or at designated viewing areas.
Beyond Birds: Flora and Fauna
A particularly exciting, though less common, sighting reported by visitors is the Iberian water frog. This unique amphibian adds an exotic element to the reserve's biodiversity and is a memorable find for those lucky enough to spot it.
The reserve's history as a former peat extraction site has shaped its current landscape, creating habitats that support a variety of plant life and insects. Exploring the pathways can reveal interesting botanical features and smaller creatures, making it a rewarding experience for all nature enthusiasts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit