Wetlands
Teeming with insects, rich in plants and a haven for mammals, wetlands offer an unforgettable experience. They play a vital role in supporting wildlife, purifying water and capturing carbon.
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Wild wetlands
These beautiful areas are a vital part of our natural world – the lives of animals, plants and people depend on them being in a good condition. Healthy wetlands store carbon and slow the flow of water, cleaning it naturally and reducing flood risk downstream.
Somerset Wetlands Becomes England's Biggest Super National Nature Reserve
England’s second ‘super’ National Nature Reserve (NNR) has been declared in Somerset by Natural England on the 70th anniversary of the creation of national nature reserves.
Bogs & Bittern - Wetland Restoration for Species Survival
A 2-year project to enhance, improve and expand seven wetland habitat sites within and beyond the Avalon Marshes landscape. The project began in March 2024 and closed in February 2026.
News & publications
Read our exciting news and publications about Somerset Wildlife Trust and our amazing wildlife.
Land Management and agriculture on functioning peatlands
Peatlands are amazing, wild places, home to rare and unusual plants, birds and insects. They are wetland landscapes characterised by waterlogged soils made of dead and decaying plants, called peat. Find out more about land management and agriculture on functioning peatlands.
Beneath Our Feet: Restoring Westhay Moor’s Peatlands
Healthy, functioning peatlands are superhero habitats when it comes to combatting climate change and supporting rare, specialist species. These past few months we have taken a big step forward in…
The Wildlife Trusts welcome golden opportunity for beavers to be wild
New beaver consultation could herald better wetlands for wildlife and climate
Right Tree, Right Place: Restoring Somerset’s Peatlands
The right tree in the right place can provide many benefits to nature and help in the fight against climate change. However, the wrong tree in the wrong place can actually cause more harm than…
In Somerset, June rewards your efforts beautifully
There’s something special about Somerset in June. The countryside feels completely alive, with hedgerows bursting into colour, wetlands echoing with birdsong, and long evenings creating the…
Little stint
This tiny wading bird is most often seen in autumn, feeding on the muddy margins of wetlands.
Jack snipe
This well-camouflaged wader is a winter visitor to the UK, where it can be seen feeding on wetlands with a distinctive bobbing motion.