The Somerset Levels

The Levels are one of Europe's larger wetland areas, a haven to many migrating and resident birds. Part of the moors is drier agricultural land and part is made up of wetland nature reserves and wilder areas. These pictures give an image of the rather blessed landscape which once made Glastonbury an island.

Throughout history water levels have risen and fallen and, in recent centuries, the Levels have been artificially drained. Mining of peat over the last century has left pools and lakes, favourable for water birds and species.

Between Glastonbury and Westhay the moors are derived from peat-based freshwater lakes and marshes, and west of Westhay they were more salt-marsh, variously and periodically flooded by sea tides up to 400 years ago.

At first look from a car, the Moors don't look too interesting - flat, with bouncy roads across the dark peatlands. Go walking or cycling into the nature reserves and memorable experiences are to be had. From Glastonbury there is a bike track leading west for five miles through a number of environments - ride down Benedict Street and follow the signs. Click here to see what the ride is like.

In winter, before dusk, the starling flocks around Westhay can have six-figure size, sometimes performing mad and amazing antics. At other times the swans, geese and other birds are wonderful to sit and watch

Click for more pictures of the Somerset Levels

To find out more about the Somerset Levels:

The Avalon Marshes site

Somerset Levels and Moors Project (LAMP)

Peat Moors Visitor Centre

Somerset Nature Reserves - Somerset Wildlife Trust

The Sweet Track