Today sees the launch of an ambitious new appeal from Somerset Wildlife Trust to transform one of its key nature reserves on the Avalon Marshes so it is better for wildlife and better for people. 

Somerset Wildlife Trust has been managing land at Catcott since the late 60’s and its latest plans for improvement hope to strike a better balance, for both wildlife and people. 

Catcott Nature Reserve is at the heart of the Avalon Marshes, a mosaic of vital habitats consisting of hay meadows, wet woodland, grassland, and fen, renowned for its internationally significant birdlife and home to otters, water voles, dragonflies, and the elusive European eel. As a Site of Special Scientific Interest and RAMSAR wetland, Catcott, through the changing seasons, provides irreplaceable habitat for wildlife and a unique immersive experience for tens of thousands of visitors every year. 

In order to improve the reserve for wildlife, the Trust wants to acquire a six-hectare field that will connect two currently separate areas of the reserve by both land and water, providing a green corridor through which wildlife can move - making Catcott ‘bigger, better and more joined up’. In addition, with funds it wants to expand a ‘scrape’ (a shallow wading pond) which will provide a larger and richer breeding ground for wading birds, attracting and supporting vulnerable species like lapwing, snipe and curlew. 

The Trust will also make the site more accessible and enjoyable for visitors by replacing the aging Lows Hide with an inclusive and accessible wildlife lookout which can be accessed just metres from the car park, and the car park itself and nearby tracks will be resurfaced and bridges and boardwalks repaired or replaced for safer, smoother access for all visitors, including those with mobility needs.

The target of the appeal is £535,000 and with these funds the Trust can secure the future of the reserve, making it a place where people and wildlife can flourish together for years to come.

Becky Fisher, Head of Engagement, comments on the benefits for people:

“Nature is for everyone - but that first step can sometimes be daunting – especially for first time nature explorers and for people with additional mobility needs. For decades, the Lows bird hide has given visitors unforgettable close-up encounters with Catcott’s remarkable birdlife and wild residents, but as it ages, it no longer meets the needs of all our visitors. Replacing it with a spacious, accessible wildlife lookout means we can welcome more visitors to experience the wonder of nature up close. Just a few metres from the car park, this lookout will offer a front-row seat to some of Somerset’s spectacular wetland wildlife, with the incredible view of Glastonbury Tor as a backdrop. We’ll also resurface the car park and track for smoother access, and repair or replace the bridges and boardwalk so that everyone can explore safely and comfortably. We’re really excited.”

Mark Blake, Senior Reserves Manager, comments on the benefits for wildlife:

“Although the extra piece of land is relatively small, acquiring it is really important. Not only will it improve connections within the reserve itself, but it will also help link the reserve more firmly to the wider Avalon Marshes area.  It has always been our ambition to ensure that wildlife can move and thrive across the whole of the Somerset Levels, filling the gaps where we can for the benefit of all species – so being able to make this connection at Catcott is yet another step in that ambition.  The ‘scrape’ next to the Lows hide is an absolute mecca for vulnerable birds like lapwing, snipe, and curlew. Increasing its size will create richer feeding and breeding grounds for these and many other muddy-edge-loving water and wading birds, both resident and overwintering.”