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Seasonal highlights

Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.

Spring

Watch out for nesting grey herons, while bluebells, primroses and orchids burst into life in the woodland. It's full of birdsong including chiffchaffs, blackcaps, marsh tits and song thrushes.

Blackcaps (illustration)grey heron illustrationMarsh tit (illustration)Song thrush (illustration)
BlackcapGrey heronMarsh titSong thrush

Summer

Little egrets raising their young are still visible among the oak trees. Birdsong subsides at this time, but still keep an eye out for spotted flycatchers, goldfinches and goldcrests. This is a lovely time to enjoy the extensive broadleaved woodland and great views of the hay meadows and waterways of the Somerset Levels from the viewing area.

Goldcrest (illustration)Goldfinch (illustration)Little egret (illustration)Spotted flycatcher (illustration)
GoldcrestGoldfinchLittle egretSpotted flycatcher

Autumn

See how many different types of fungi you can see in the woodland. Enjoy the autumnal colours and marvel at the spectacular views of the Somerset Levels and Moors.

Coal tit (illustration)Green woodpecker (illustration)Robin (illustration)Wren (illustration)
Coal titGreen woodpeckerRobinWren

Winter

You could see nuthatches and woodpeckers feeding at the car park bird feeders, while roving flocks of tits and other small birds pass through the woods.

Great spotted woodpecker (illustration)Adult long-tailed titNuthatch (illustration)Treecreeper (illustration)
Great spotted woodpeckerLong-tailed titNuthatchTreecreeper

Contact us

Where is it?

  • Lat/lng: 51.010461,-2.912924
  • Grid reference: ST360238
  • Nearest town: Taunton, Somerset
  • County: Somerset
  • Country: England

Get directions

Note: Some reserves are not served directly by public transport and, in these cases, a nearby destination (from which you may need to walk or take a taxi or ferry) may be offered.

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