Days out
Ham Wall
Between Meare and AshcottOpenSee opening timesStep into this paradise for wetland birds and discover booming Bitterns and brightly-coloured Kingfishers.
About
⚠︎ The path between Waltons and Loxtons is closed. Access to each is from the Main Track/ Old Railway Line only. ⚠︎
Ham Wall is a wetland teeming with wildlife – from rare species like Water Voles and Otters to ‘booming’ Bitterns and colourful Kingfishers. Enjoy sweeping views across the marshes to Glastonbury Tor and make some time to follow secluded paths through the mystical landscape.
This Somerset reserve is a true gem where extensive reedbeds give way to open water, creating a paradise for wetland birds, mammals and minibeasts. Elsewhere woodlands and grasslands brim with life and are home to a wide range of wildlife stars.
Ham Wall nature reserve is carefully looked after to create the ideal conditions for wildlife. Reedbeds are cut and plantlife is removed on rotation to maintain a variety of habitats. The cuttings are then turned into soil conditioner which is used on nearby gardens and allotments.
Water levels are also managed for wildlife such as wading birds, while cattle graze the reedbeds and grasslands in the summer months.
Download our trail map, to help you plan your visit.
At a glance
Our car park is open daily in line with the below times and it is closed and locked outside of these hours using an automatically-operated gate.
1 November - 31 January: 5am - 6.30pm.
1 February - 31 March: 5am - 8pm.
1 April - 30 August: 5am -10pm.
1 September – 31 October: 5am - 8pm.
The car park has 120 spaces of which 5 are Blue Badge spaces. 2 additional Blue Badge spaces are available within the reserve, close to viewing platforms and viewing facilities.
These are accessed with a RADAR key. RADAR keys can be borrowed from the Info Point.
No overnight parking or camping is permitted. There is no height restriction barrier.
Please be respectful of other visitor access, our team and our neighbours by not parking on the road, verges or in gateways, as it causes an obstruction for residents and emergency services.
Bicycle racks are available close to the car park.
Our toilets are open daily in line with car park opening times.
They are located in a separate block near to our Information Point.
Our baby changing facilities are located in our accessible toilet near to our Information Point.
The Main Track and Reedbed Trail, Waltons Screens and Tor View Hide are pushchair accessible.
The Main Track and Reedbed Trail, Waltons Screens and Tor View Hide are wheelchair accessible.
Our toilets are open daily in line with car park opening times.
They are located in a separate block near to our Information Point.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Dogs are welcome on the public footpaths around the nature reserve.
Please keep to the designated rights of way only, with your dog on a short lead due to the sensitive wildlife here.
The Reedbed trail, Waltons Heath trail and Loxtons Marsh trail, are not public footpaths, so no dogs are permitted here except assistance dogs.
Dogs are welcome on the Ham Wall Loop apart from the path to the Avalon Hide.
A dog water bowl is available at the car park info point.
There are no dog waste bins on the reserve, we ask that you take the waste home with you to dispose of.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
A dog water bowl is available at the side of the info point in the car park.
There are no dog waste bins on the reserve, we ask that you take the waste home with you to dispose of.
See what’s here
Contact Ham Wall
ham.wall@rspb.org.uk Ham Wall, Meare, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9SX 01458 860494