HUNTSPILL RIVER; PARRETT AND BRUE ESTUARIES

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MAP REFERENCES

O.S. Landranger 182 Weston - super - Mare & Bridgwater area

 

INTRODUCTION

The Huntspill River, excavated during the Second World War to serve the Royal Ordnance Factory at Puriton, drains into Bridgwater Bay, a National Nature Reserve managed by English Nature. Although often exposed to strong westerlies, and with little shelter, the site is a good alternative to Steart, on the opposite bank of the Parrett. It is close to the A38 and is, therefore, more easily accessed than Steart, especially to those travelling from the north of the county. Good views can be obtained of many species, although a telescope is usually necessary.

 

ACCESS

Car parking is available by the river on the minor road from West Huntspill to Stretcholt just past Laburnam House Hotel at approx ST302450. Do not be tempted to drive to the sea wall along the Wessex Water access road. The gates are locked in the late afternoon. In any event, the walk to the sea wall often produces interesting species, such as little egret, feeding in the rhynes. Alternatively, park in Highbridge and take the public footpath on the south side of the River Brue, to approach the Huntspill River from the north.

 

SPECIES TO BE SEEN

The area has an impressive list of rarities to its credit. In recent years, spotted sandpipers have wintered on the Brue estuary and Wilson's phalarope, white-rumped sandpiper and the occasional avocet have been seen. Spring passage has included marsh and Montagu's harrier, and Richard's pipit and ortolan bunting have been recorded in the autumn. Large numbers of wintering wildfowl include wigeon, teal, a few pintail and shelduck, which also use Bridgwater Bay as an autumn moulting ground. Hen harrier, peregrine, merlin and short-eared owl are all regular. Seawatching can be productive at high tide in westerly gales, and many species visible from Burnham seafront can also be seen here. Storm and Leach's petrels, grey phalarope and Sabine's gull have all featured at times. High spring tides, in calm anticyclonic conditions, can produce a good tern passage, something of a rare sight in Somerset. Little egret is as regular here as anywhere in the county.

 

TIMING

Good at any time of the year. A falling tide is generally best, though the state of the tide is not as critical here as at many other estuaries, and interesting species can, with luck, be seen at any time.

 

OTHER THINGS OF INTEREST

The rhynes are very important for dragonflies, and other aquatic insect species. Roe deer are frequently seen late in the day.

Brian Hill