May Update
New bird ID signs on site and the launch of our Summer of Saltmarsh events
Changes and events at Steart Marshes are coming thick and fast…
Firstly, our name, you may have noticed it has been growing over recent years and we are now officially called ‘WWT Steart Marshes and Bridgwater Bay, part of the Somerset Wetland National Nature Reserve.’ Quite a mouthful so we are shortening the addition to SWNNR as in the new title above!
The boardwalk between Mendip Hide/Polden Screen is open again after a brief closure while cattle were on the flood bank. Please do explore but make sure to keep the gates closed at either end.
New viewing platforms and bird signs have been installed as part of the National Lottery Heritage funded project Steart: Connecting Coastal Communities. We have replaced the signs on all platforms and will be moving on to the hides over the coming weeks. The Parrett Hide roof is almost finished and the scaffolding will be down by the time you read this.
Dragonfly Day will be taking place on site Sunday 7th June 10am and 3pm and we will also be launching our Summer of Saltmarsh, creating a summer of events right here in the heart of the local community. Walks, talks and workshops will take many forms, both drop-in and bookable, including willow weaving, walk & draw, gather and make, clay, monoprint, and even a rap workshop bringing saltmarsh facts together using rhythm and poetry. You can find out more and book places via our website events page.
Finally, we still have a few free places left on our course Saltmarshes – a Habitat Introduction running here in partnership with the Field Studies Council on Fri 25 June or Sat 25 July. This is a rare opportunity for training with the respected FSC to learn about the saltmarsh on your doorstep, no prior knowledge required as this is pitched as a beginner course. Please message Nicole on info.steart@wwt.org.uk for more details.
The Steart: Connecting Coastal Communities Project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are creating opportunities in the heart of the local community designed to deepen engagement with saltmarsh and wetlands.
