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Hotline for starlings!
Last modified: 12 November 2010
Wildlife enthusiasts visiting the huge starling roost in the Avalon Marshes near Glastonbury are being encouraged to call the Starling Hotline before they visit.
Provided by the RSPB and Natural England the telephone hotline not only gives details of the birds whereabouts, but vital information on accessing the site.
The RSPB’s Tony Whitehead said: “We really want people to enjoy the spectacle, but we also want them to do this in a way that is sensitive to the site.”
The starlings use nature reserves managed by three different organisations - the RSPB (Ham Wall), Natural England (Shapwick Heath) and Somerset Wildlife Trust (Westhay Moor).
Tony Whitehead: “There is very little parking available at any of the sites, so avoiding the weekend rush will greatly improve your visit.”
RSPB and NE ask that visitors follow any parking instructions given and avoid stopping on narrow verges or blocking gateways. There is no parking for coaches other than at The Avalon Marshes Centre situated between Shapwick and Westhay villages. Parking for the western end of Shapwick Heath is also at The Avalon Marshes Centre.
Tony Whitehead added: “Why not consider coming at dawn? The spectacle is just as interesting and you can absolutely guarantee where the birds will be.
“And obviously, when there please take care not to disturb the wildlife or other visitors, by keeping noise to a minimum and obeying rules about restricted access and dogs - they are only allowed on the public footpath and disused railway line at Ham Wall, and not at all on Shapwick.”
The number for the Starling Hotline is 07866 554142. Alternatively you may or email starlings@rspb.org.uk