Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve
Discover diverse wildlife at Westhay Moor, a vital wetland reserve known for its elusive bittern and stunning egrets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak dragonfly and damselfly activity
Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve
Best Time
Peak dragonfly and damselfly activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover diverse wildlife at Westhay Moor, a vital wetland reserve known for its elusive bittern and stunning egrets.
"A lovely place with so much wildlife, great hides, and a chance to see rare birds."
Binoculars are a must! :binoculars:
Don't forget your binoculars to spot birds and insects hiding in the reeds.
Check parking payment options :moneybag:
The card machine can be out of action; be prepared to pay online.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bittern Sightings
Avalon Marshes
Catch a glimpse of the rare and elusive bittern, often spotted thanks to secret trailcams.
Great White Egret
Wetland areas
Observe the majestic Great White Egret in its natural wetland habitat.
Dragonfly and Damselfly Displays
Lakes and reed beds
Marvel at the vibrant 4 spot chasers and beautiful demoiselles during warmer months.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Wildlife Spotting Essentials
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Binoculars are a must! :binoculars:
Don't forget your binoculars to spot birds and insects hiding in the reeds.
Check parking payment options :moneybag:
The card machine can be out of action; be prepared to pay online.
Guided walks are great :walking:
Highly recommended for spotting birds and learning about the flora.
Elusive Bittern sightings :camera_with_flash:
Keep an eye out for the rare bittern, sometimes spotted via trailcams.
Tips
from all over the internet
Binoculars are a must! :binoculars:
Don't forget your binoculars to spot birds and insects hiding in the reeds.
Check parking payment options :moneybag:
The card machine can be out of action; be prepared to pay online.
Guided walks are great :walking:
Highly recommended for spotting birds and learning about the flora.
Elusive Bittern sightings :camera_with_flash:
Keep an eye out for the rare bittern, sometimes spotted via trailcams.
Admire the Egrets :bird:
Great White Egrets are a stunning sight in the wetlands.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Westhay Moor for its abundant wildlife, particularly birds and insects, and the well-placed hides for observation. The guided walks are highly recommended for an enriched experience. However, some have encountered issues with the parking payment system, which can be unreliable.
"What a lovely place. So much wildlife here. We saw loads of 4 spot chasers, beautiful demoiselles and blue damsel flys. Not so many birds but then we had forgotten our binoculars! But we did see coots, moorhens, heron, Cormorants and heard loads of birds in the reeds that we couldn't see. Just a great place."
Trudy Hodson
"Lovely hides not as busy as the bigger cousin down the road. Would recommend 💯"
Robert Spencer
"Accepting you can't control the lack of wildlife, so a review based on the parking system instead;
The Trust have chosen to go with the ironically named "parkwithease" service which apparently doesn't work. Machine out of action and the appended note suggests this happens often . Trying to pay online it claims we didn't visit. Meanwhile my family member with an annual permit is being threatened with court action for not paying despite sending back the the email confirmation and a bank statement.
All a bit amateur."
Simon White
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Westhay Moor is located in Somerset. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is the most common method. Parking is available on-site for a fee.
Information on direct public transport links is limited. It's advisable to check local bus routes or consider a taxi service if you are not driving.
Westhay Moor is situated on the Somerset Levels, with nearby towns including Glastonbury and Bridgwater offering further amenities and potential transport hubs.
Follow signs for Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve from the main road. The reserve is well-signposted once you are in the vicinity.
Yes, there is a dedicated parking area. A fee applies, and the funds contribute to the reserve's conservation work.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the reserve itself is generally free, but there is a parking fee. This fee helps support the Wildlife Trust's management of the reserve.
The parking fee is typically around £3 for the day. However, be aware that the payment system can sometimes be unreliable.
As a nature reserve, Westhay Moor is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to check with the managing body for any specific seasonal restrictions.
Yes, online payment is an option, especially if the on-site machine is not working. It may take a little time to navigate the system.
Annual permits may be available for frequent visitors, which can be more cost-effective. Check with the Wildlife Trust for details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Westhay Moor is renowned for its birdlife, including bitterns and Great White Egrets. You can also spot various dragonflies, damselflies, and other wetland insects.
Yes, the reserve features several well-signposted hides that offer excellent vantage points for observing wildlife without disturbing it.
There are walking paths around the wetland areas, with some sections potentially closed for maintenance. Hides are well-signposted along the routes.
Yes, it's a great place for families to explore nature. Children can enjoy spotting wildlife and learning about the wetland environment.
Typically, dogs are allowed on leads in nature reserves to protect wildlife. It's advisable to confirm the specific policy for Westhay Moor.
📸 📸 Photography
The hides offer excellent, concealed positions for photographing birds. The reed beds and open water provide natural backdrops for various species.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing distant birds. A tripod can also be beneficial for stability, especially in low light conditions.
Be patient and quiet, especially when near hides. Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography.
Yes, the bittern is a prime subject for photographers, though it is notoriously elusive. Trailcams have captured some incredible footage.
During warmer months, these insects are abundant. Macro lenses are ideal for capturing their intricate details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities might be limited. The open spaces and the chance to see diverse wildlife, from majestic egrets to tiny damselflies, make it an engaging and memorable experience for younger visitors. Remember to emphasize quiet observation to maximize wildlife sightings.
🐦 Birdwatchers Paradise
Don't forget your binoculars and a field guide. Checking recent sightings boards upon arrival can help you target specific species. The reed beds and open water provide habitats for a wide array of waterfowl, waders, and resident birds throughout the year.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Elusive Bittern: A Westhay Moor Gem
Seeing a bittern is a testament to the health of the wetland ecosystem at Westhay Moor. Their presence indicates a thriving environment with ample food sources and suitable breeding grounds. Conservation efforts by organizations like the Wildlife Trust are crucial for protecting the habitats that these birds depend on.
While sightings are rare, the possibility of spotting a bittern adds an element of thrilling anticipation to any visit. Remember to bring your binoculars and keep a keen eye on the dense reed beds for any subtle movements.
Navigating Parking and Payment
It's advisable to be prepared for potential technical glitches. Having a backup payment method, such as the ability to pay online, is recommended. If you encounter issues, documenting your attempts to pay, perhaps with screenshots or bank statements, can be helpful, especially if you hold an annual permit.
Despite these occasional parking system hiccups, visitors generally acknowledge that the parking fee is a small price to pay for supporting the vital work of the Wildlife Trust in managing and conserving this beautiful nature reserve.
A Haven for Dragonflies and Damselflies
For photographers, these delicate creatures offer fantastic opportunities for close-up shots. A macro lens is ideal for capturing the intricate details of their wings and bodies. Patience is key, as they can be quick to dart away, but the rewards are often breathtaking images of these iridescent marvels.
Observing the life cycles and behaviors of dragonflies and damselflies adds another layer of fascination to a visit to Westhay Moor. Their presence underscores the reserve's ecological significance as a thriving wetland habitat.
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