4 minute read
Walking Sue Gearing
A winter wander through the wetland
IMMERSEyourself in the wonder of the wetland reserve at Steart on the River Parrett and the Severn Estuary in Bridgwater Bay where the needs of nature and man sit comfortably together. The dry paths and walkways wind through this flat area of channels, creeks and ponds, reeds and marsh to give you a chance to see the changing bird life. There are big skies and allround views. It is an invigorating winter experience. In the words of the poem “…take time to stand and stare”.
I have followed the shorter circle in the reserve but you can add to it yourself by taking side paths – one of these could add another 2.8 miles. The reserve is accessible for buggies and bikes. The good news is that dogs, kept under control, are welcomed and there is even a dog swimming area!
I was fortunate enough to see murmurations of lapwings and starlings patterning the sky above and a sprinkling of oyster catchers, some herons, swans, egrets, and a snipe foraging in the marshes. There is plenty more to see depending on the season. Short-eared owls have been active there recently. So be sure to take your binoculars. One of the most exciting times to visit is at high tide, particularly a very high tide when the saltmarsh floods.
The area is quite exposed to the elements so go well clad. There is a welcoming pub at Combwich a few minutes’ walk off this circle. It’s not a bad idea to take a hot drink and a snack as there is no café en-route, but there are benches.
PARK: To get there, leave the M5 at J23, head west on A39 past Cannington and Combwich and follow signs. Park in the main car park of the WWT (Wetland and Wildlife Trust) which runs the reserve (with toilets). If full, there is an overflow car park further up the road towards Steart hamlet. If you can’t get in there, then the reserve can be accessed on foot in a few minutes from nearby Combwich which you may want to visit anyway to go to the pub.
START: This area has changed over the last few years since work was undertaken to breach the River Parrett alongside the reserve and this allowed water to penetrate and create valuable saltmarshes and more wet areas for the wildlife. It also helped to prevent flooding of villages inland. New plants and animals have begun to colonise the reserve. There are plenty of leaflets in the reserve to give you much greater information about the development and benefits of this wetland area.
From the car park, cross the road and at the signpost turn right in the direction of Otterhampton and simply follow this track, ignoring side paths. It parallels the road for a short way and then turns away and becomes more interesting.
Here on the Stockland Marsh, there is both freshwater and saltwater
With Sue Gearing
habitats offering the chance to see a wonderful variety of bird and plant life at all seasons.
1. VIEWING
Further on reach a viewing platform over the marsh with bird identification panels. Just carry on now until you go through a gate and reach a junction with the River Parrett Trail which at this point follows the England Coast Path.
2. ENGLAND COAST PATH
This would be where you join this circle if you come in from Combwich village which is a short hop to the right and ideal if you want refreshment at the Anchor Inn.
But we now go left following the River Parrett on the right. Soon get closer to the Parrett and start to get views across to Brent Knoll and the Mendip ridge.
3. GATE
Reach a gate ahead. For a long extra walk you could continue through the gate along a path to where the Parrett has been breached. It is a nothrough route so you have to return here. (1.4 miles each way). However, when you get there you can’t see much.
For our main route, turn left away from the estuary on the main track. Notice the high grass bank on the right which contains the saltmarsh. Reach the Parrett Hide.
The coastline OS Explorer 140 Quantock Hills & Bridgwater, grid ref: 260 453. Postcode TA5 TPU. Distance: 3 plus miles, about 1-3 hours walk allowing time for bird watching
4. PARRETT HIDE
Like others in the reserve, this is a comfortable and sheltered refuge from which to take time to bird watch. Continue on and reach a signpost.
5. MENDIP HIDE
One way is to go on to the Mendip Hide which is visible ahead. This gives a great vantage point over the main saltmarsh. From Mendip Hide take the higher path along and then drop down and join the lower route which leads back to the parking area.
6. QUANTOCK HIDE
Or, by turning down left at the signpost, you go further into the reserve to the Quantock Hide. You can return here or simply stay on the path at the hide and continue to the car park.
