Catcott Appeal
Help make Catcott Nature Reserve better for wildlife and better for people
Catcott Nature Reserve is a true jewel at the heart of the Avalon Marshes. This remarkable landscape is a vibrant patchwork of hay meadows, wet woodland, grassland, and fen, celebrated for its internationally important birdlife. Here, you might catch a glimpse of otters, water voles, dragonflies, and even the elusive European eel.
Recognised as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a RAMSAR wetland, Catcott’s dynamic environment transforms with the seasons — flooded in winter to welcome flocks of teal and wigeon, then drying in spring to provide vital breeding grounds for lapwing and snipe. It’s a haven for wildlife and — due to the location of the Lows bird hide — a unique site for front-row wildlife encounters.
We want to make Catcott even bigger and better than ever by inviting more wildlife in and improving the site for visitors — but we need your help to make that happen!
How we can improve this special place
Nature is for everyone - but that first step can sometimes be daunting. We want to replace the aging Lows bird hide with a spacious, accessible wildlife lookout, welcoming all visitors, including those with mobility needs and first-time nature explorers, to get up close and personal with the marvels of nature.
With your help, we have the opportunity to purchase a six-hectare field that will connect two currently separate areas of the reserve, both by land and water. This crucial addition will make Catcott bigger, better, and more joined up, creating essential wildlife corridors across the landscape and boosting species resilience.
We also plan to expand the popular ‘scrape’ at the Lows hide, providing richer feeding and breeding grounds for birds and supporting vulnerable species such as lapwing, snipe, and curlew. By extending these wetland habitats, we can help countless species to thrive, migrate, and overwinter — strengthening both Catcott and the wider ecosystem for generations to come.
We’ll also resurface the car park and track for smoother access, and repair or replace the bridges and and boardwalk so everyone can explore safely and comfortably.
Already popular with wildlife and people, Catcott now needs significant investment to expand, improve and future-proof it for wildlife – and to improve access so more people can visit and experience nature close up.Adam MurrayDirector of Action for Nature
Catcott is more than a sanctuary for wildlife; it’s a place where people can find peace, inspiration, and a sense of wonder. Your donation will help us secure Catcott’s future, making it a haven where both wildlife and people can flourish together. Please join us in making Catcott better for wildlife and better for everyone who comes to experience it.
Other ways to donate
Any gift you can give to help secure Catcott’s future will make a huge difference to this project. Please help if you can. You can also donate securely by card by telephoning Zoë or Sonia on 01823 652429.
Every donation, whatever the size, will make a difference. Thank you so much for your continuing support.