Wildlife
Find out which species visit each season
The marshes lie between the mouth of the River Parrett and the Bristol Channel on the Somerset coast. This position attracts migrating birds and has some of the biggest tidal forces in the world, creating an ever changing experience.
As the reserve awakens from winter, wildflowers start to blossom, a variety of spring migrants arrive from their wintering grounds and breeding season begins.
Captivating flora
Marsh marigold, cuckoo flower and cowslip bring splashes of colour and flowering scurvy grass blankets the saltmarsh in white.
Meet the mammals
Boxing hares bound on Otterhampton Marshes and traditional livestock returns to graze on the reserve - helping manage the habitat.
Insects aplenty
As the season warms, webs of caterpillars appear in the hedgerows, followed by an explosion of butterflies.
Marvellous migrants
Hirundines, warblers and godwit arrive. Breeding avocets, oystercatcher, lapwing and little ringed plover defend their nests.
