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!

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.  

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.