An internationally recognised wetland -well worth a visit.

Living centrally within the Levels and Moors it has provided the backdrop and subjects for much of my photography.
Situate in the south-west of England it is the largest area of wet grazing in the UK –extending to 140,000 acres. The Levels and Moors are bounded in the north by the Mendip Hills, in the south-west by the Quantock Hills, in the west by the Bristol Channel and in the south by the undulating countryside of the vales of Taunton Deane.
Situate behind sea defences, its 8 rivers and main drains are elevated. They serve a complicated network of ditches or ‘rhynes’ as they are locally known. The entire area lies close to and below high tide levels and collects huge volumes of water from a much greater catchment. The entirety drains to the sea only as tides fall and lock gates open.
Various considerable peat deposits were laid down over thousands of years past following inundations of salt and freshwater. Today large areas of dug out peat are flooded and provide alternative habitat.
The Levels and Moors contain much valuable flora and fauna. The fauna has particularly captured my interest and it is varied indeed- see my Galleries for examples of typical wildlife though this is by no means exclusive-little more than a sampling.
The area is renowned for important migratory birds. There is a variety of breeding waders and much wildfowl.
In recent years the flocks of starling numbering millions which providing stunning ariel displays, before dropping to roost in the sedges, has been of particular interest to visitors.
Much effort has gone in to restoring flora and fauna to the area. The RSPB have recently completed a breeding programme for the bittern culminating in much success and bittern flights over the sedges are no longer a rarity. With this success under their belt they are soon to embark on another project with cranes being released in West Sedgemoor.
Much valued by visitors are otter sightings which are relatively frequent at all times of the day. Otters can be seen at the Shapwick Reserve (Natural England), Ham Wall Reserve (RSPB) and Westhay Reserve (Somerset Wildlife Trust). There are many nature reserves throughout the Levels and Moors – for more information see websites in the LINKS section.
If you get the opportunity and you have not done so already do visit this unique wetland.