Ham Wall

Part of the landscape-scale conservation and habitat creation scheme that is the Avalon Marshes, Ham Wall has mostly been developed in the last 20 years from old peat diggings. The success of this has been spectacular: several nationally scarce or rare reedbed species now breed on the reserve. Herons are a speciality – Bitterns, Great White Egrets (the first breeding in the UK was here in 2012), ground-nesting Grey Herons in the reedbeds, plentiful Little Egrets, and (last but only least on size) Little Bitterns have over-summered in several years since 2009, with breeding confirmed or strongly suspected in four of these years. Purple and Night Herons have been recorded in a number of recent years too. Add in Marsh Harriers, Bearded Tits, and occasional Savi’s Warblers joining the abundant Reed, Sedge, and Cetti’s Warblers in the reedbeds and it is a very special place indeed.

Garganey, Gadwall, and Pochard all breed, and in winter good numbers of Teal, Shoveler, and diving ducks can be found. Water Pipits are a regular winter feature. In spring and autumn a variety of waders might turn up, and Common, Arctic, or Black Terns can drop in at any time between April and October.

Non-avian highlights include a wide variety of dragonflies and damselflies, the numerous and very noisy Iberian Water Frogs, and of course the resident Otters (in addition to the unwanted Mink).