Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
Swell Wood
SwellClosed | Opens tomorrowSee opening timesDiscover nesting Grey Herons and Little Egrets, Nuthatches and woodpeckers among this ancient woodland and abandoned oak plantation.
About
⚠ Scarp Trail is currently closed.
The ancient oaks of Swell Wood are part of a strip of woodland extending 10 miles along the ridge from Langport to the Blackdown Hills.
Swell Wood is a mix of ancient woodland and an abandoned oak plantation, which is over 100 years old. Grey Herons nest up in the tops of the tall spindly oak trees in the abandoned plantation. Elsewhere the woodland has fantastic ground flora with Bluebells and Dog's Mercury carpeting the woodland floor and plants such as Yellow Archangel and Herb Paris scattered amongst them in the spring. A shrub layer of Hazel provides habitat for the nocturnal and elusive Hazel Dormouse and the old trees provide homes in cracks and crevices for many species of bat.
Our three wildlife trails take you through woodland, up and down steps (which can be avoided) and through our wildflower meadow. The Woodland Trail takes you past the lofty Grey Heron nests, giving an intimate view into the treetop canopy. Swell Wood is home to the largest colony of breeding Grey Herons in South-West England, with more than 100 pairs nesting in the trees between March and June. Come and hear their croaking cacophony for yourself.
At a glance
12 spaces. 1 Blue Badge space. Spaces in main car park all firm, flat, bare ground. Spaces in over flow car park all gravel surface. The car park has a height barrier of 2.1m (6' 9''). No formal drop-off point. No lighting in car park. No overnight parking or camping.
We don't have any toilets here. The nearest public toilets are in Langport, 4 miles (6.5km) away.
We don't have any baby changing facilities here. The nearest baby changing facilities are in Langport, 4 miles (6.5km) away.
Scarp Trail and Meadow Trail aren't suitable for wheels. Woodland Trail 0.75 mile (900 m), with a viewpoint overlooking RSPB West Sedgemoor. Part of this trail, to the Heronry Hide and the picnic area, is level and smooth. No steps, gates, or other width restrictions.
Scarp Trail and Meadow Trail aren't suitable for wheels. Woodland Trail 0.75 mile (900 m), with a viewpoint overlooking RSPB West Sedgemoor. Part of this trail, to the Heronry Hide and the picnic area, is level and smooth. No steps, gates, or other width restrictions.
We don't have any toilets here. The nearest public toilets are in Langport, 4 miles (6.5km) away.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Dogs on leads are welcome on the Scarp Trail section of the nature reserve. Please note this trail is not suitable for wheels. Dogs can die in hot cars, please do not leave your dog in the car when visiting us. Sorry, dogs are not permitted on the Woodland Trail, Meadow Trail or into the Heronry hide other than assistance dogs.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Swell Wood
swell.wood@rspb.org.uk Swell Wood, Taunton, Somerset, TA3 6PX 01458 252805