RSPB Ham Wall — Attraction in Ashcott

Visited with a friend, both of us hoping to catch at least a glimpse of a Bittern... A fantastic area, a place I wish I could visit every day, but being so far away and taking just over two and a half hours to reach it, sadly, that just isn't possible... Got some great views and shots of Marsh Harriers and the Great White Egret, but we didn't fair so well with the Bittern.. Spotted one flying just below the tree line, but missed getting the shot, as neither of us was sure what it was... My friend got a few nice shots from the Avalon Hide, as one flew in... I, however, got only one distant shot as another vanished behind some trees.

A fantastic day, despite heading off at 6 am, plenty of wildlife and more dragonflies and damsels than I have ever seen before... swarms of them, almost everywhere... There were Hobbies, HUNTING DRAGONFLIES SND damsels, over the reedbeds, but too far away and despite many, many attempts I couldn't get shots of the Reed Warblers... We asked if there were Bearded Reedlings and were told no, yet I later discovered the reason for the several wooden platforms among the many reed beds, were specifically for grit, which the Bearded Reedlings, would switch too, after feeding on insects, when raising young.

Would I recommend it, absolutely... Get there as early as possible, sit it out in the Avalon hide and if you see a chunky look light brown bird, that looks like a stunted Heron, take photos first and ask questions later...That will be a Bittern...Was quite jealous of thosevthat had taken shots of three of them in the air at once, though my friend wanted one, where the Bittern was standing on the edge of the reed beds, Bird spotter or wildlife photographer, you will definitely not be disappointed... loved it, and I hope I get the chance to visit again.

One suggestion however, would be to go on a weekday, preferably mid week, as it was a tad busy on the...

Years ago, I visited briefly in the to see the amazing starling murmirations. Returned after a decade to see it properly. I was not disappointed. Although slightly overcast, there were moments of sun. We visited early morning, 8.30am. I was greeted with lush green grass, trees, waterways, lakes, reedbeds and hedgerows. The trees were in full leaf, spring flowers were out, and I was met with birds singing (such as the Blackcap), water fowl sunbathing (Cormorant), chicks and signets with their parents (great crested grebe and swans). Most astonishing was the hundreds, and I mean hundreds, of dragonflies and damselflies flitting, zooming and buzzing everywhere. An amazing aerial display of these much photographed acrobats of the air. A good time for arachnids and their amazing webs to catch their fill. Various beetles, water snails, and butterflies greeted us along the hedgerows. Lots of walking, smells and sounds to absorb. A wonderous place and great for budding artists, photographers, biologists, and conservationists. Ample parking. RSPB staff and volunteers on site to help. Pay to park. Ice cream and drinks for sale in carpark. RSPB membership available. Accessible for families with children, (and dogs on leads along main path only). After rain, recommend wellies for going off piest from main thoroughfare to visit bird hides and walk around lakes - quite boggy. An extremely worthy photographer's dream if you are into landscape, habitats, insects, waterways and birds. Absolutely huge place....

Absolutely incredible nature reserve!

Positives: friendly and welcoming staff at entrance to guide you where to go clear signage & maps at entrance to guide you around plenty of paths to walk around (some being accessible to bikes and wheelchairs; others are off track so slightly less popular, but really enjoyable to explore, especially if you want some peace and quiet away from the busy paths) plenty of viewing platforms & hides around the reserve (with seating) interesting posters/signs around the reserve with information about specific species of animals -during winter they have the starling hotline to give you the location that they roosted at the previous night which is very helpful and obviously the BREATHTAKING views of both the wetland and the plethora of wildlife that inhabits it! Some seasons bring more spectacles than others, but no matter when you go in the year you'll always see something going on

Negatives: once you've gone past the entrance I didn't seem to come across any signs/maps or anything, so make sure you either have a physical or digital version of the map with you before you enter as it's quite possible to get lost -it can get quite busy during certain times (particularly when I visited to view the starling murmurations) so make sure you arrive early to save your place in the viewing platform before it...