Wildlife at Steart Marshes

Steart Marshes is the biggest new coastal wetland in Britain. The tidal area alone is nearly 3km long and over 1km wide. There is also a brackish area, known as Otterhampton Marsh, and a freshwater grazing marsh, called Stockland Marshes. 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.

Wildlife highlights

In summer, look out for little egret fishing in the lagoons or at the breach. Avocet, little ringed plover and lapwing have all bred in the first summers at Steart Marshes. Also, look out for swallow and skylark. In late summer, thousands of shelduck roost on the site. Look out for dragonflies such as black-tailed skimmer and emperor, and plants such as flowering rush and purple loosestrife. In winter expect teal, wigeon, peregrine, golden plover and meadow pipit.