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MAP REFERENCES

O.S. Landranger 182 Weston-super-Mare & Bridgwater areaO.S. Explorer 4 Mendip Hills WestCar Park at approx. ST401417

INTRODUCTION

This Somerset Wildlife Trust Reserve is managed as shallow winter flooding and wet grassland in the summer. There are two excellent hides with plenty of room in them. A log is kept in the hide by the car park so that you can quickly get up-to-date with recent sightings.

 

ACCESS

Access is open to the public from the minor road called Catcott Broad Drove between the villages of Catcott and (Catcott) Burtle.

SPECIES TO BE SEEN

This is an excellent site in winter for dabbling ducks such as mallard, teal and wigeon. On rare occasions a small herd of Bewick's swans might put in a brief appearance. When the spring migration gets underway garganey, ruff, yellow wagtail and whimbrel regularly use the site to stop-over and feed. As water levels drop most birds move on, but there are usually one or two nesting pairs of lapwing and redshank to watch out for. Marsh harriers may be seen hunting over the wet fields and ditches during the summer months. Autumn brings a fresh influx of waders if the water levels have risen sufficiently to attract them in. Rarities such as Temminck's stint and spoonbill have been recorded in recent years. Winter flocks of siskin and redpoll may be found at one of their more regular Somerset sites by walking along the alder-lined droves. Brambling often put in an appearance among the wintering chaffinches as well. As the days get shorter, a hen harrier may fly in front of the hide, on bouyant wings, causing panic among the winter visitors.

 

TIMING

Best from November to April.

 

OTHER THINGS OF INTEREST

Keep an eye out for roe deer coming out to feed at the far side of the reserve from the car park in the evenings. The invertebrate fauna and flora are still be investigated by groups such as the SWT and Somerset Invertebrates Group (SIG). It is already known that several rare molluscs survive in the rhynes (ditches to you madam) and there is still much to find for sure.