Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve
Know before you go
Dogs
However, dogs on leads or under close control are allowed on the public rights of way (the droves) at Westhay Moor NNR and Catcott nature reserve.
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
All year roundAbout the reserve
Please note: Parking charges for all visitors using the car park at Westhay Moor NNR will apply at £3 per visit. Please visit the link below for more information.
Dogs are only allowed on the public rights of way (the droves) at Westhay Moor NNR and Catcott nature reserve. Dogs are not permitted on any central permissive paths on both reserves. On public rights of way, dogs must remain on a lead or under close control, remaining on the paths at all times, be visible and in close proximity to their owners. You can read why we have made this decision on the page below.
Internationally acclaimed, Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve is one of the jewels in the crown of Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Nature Reserves and is situated in the centre of the internationally acclaimed and award-winning Avalon Marshes area on the Somerset Levels. Reclaimed from the remnants of industrial-scale peat extraction, and home to the largest surviving remnant of lowland acid mire in the South West.
It is a mecca for wildlife all year round but particularly in the Spring when Bittern can be hear booming, and where tens of thousands of overwintering birds make it their home. It is home to 7 of the 9 UK breeding herons and has fabulous resident populations of wading birds, wildfowl and is home to otters, beguiling numbers of dragonflies and also raptors such as hobbies, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine and the odd Hen Harrier.
Peat can capture a whole load of carbon so it’s becoming increasingly important as part of a broader effort for natural climate change adaptation in Somerset.
Natural England’s Shapwick Heath reserve and RSPB Ham Wall are also close.
We’ve now created a full StreetView tour of two of the reserves in the Avalon Marshes. You can access a virtual tour from the link below! As well as viewing the virtual tours on your computer or smart phone/tablet you can also view them in a VR headset to access a fully immersive experience.