Somerset’s Summer Wildlife

Avocet

Our four-day Somerset wildlife tour for Naturetrek holidays in early June proved to be a wonderful exploration of the county’s rich variety of habitats, despite some very mixed weather. From the coastal dunes of Berrow and the wetlands of the Somerset Levels to the ancient oak woodlands of the Quantocks and the limestone grasslands of the Mendips, every day produced something of interest.

Among the highlights were nesting Pied Flycatchers and a singing Wood Warbler in the Quantock woodlands, while at Steart Marshes we enjoyed excellent views of Avocets and Oystercatchers with young, together with Greenshank, Redshank and Little Ringed Plover.

The Somerset Levels provided an excellent selection of wetland wildlife, including Bittern, Marsh Harrier, Black-tailed Godwit and Great Egret. As the sunshine appeared, the dragonflies became increasingly active, with Four-spotted Chasers and several Blue Chasers (formerly Scarce Chasers) among the highlights, along with Grass Snakes.

Plants and insects featured strongly throughout the tour. Southern Marsh and Bee Orchids were found at Berrow, while Ivythorn Hill produced an impressive selection including Pyramidal, Common Spotted and Greater Butterfly Orchids, as well as numerous Common Twayblades.

The final day took us into the Mendips, where the improving weather revealed a wealth of wildlife around Blackmoor Reserve and Nether Wood, including Redstarts, Stonechats, butterflies, dragonflies and a Viviparous Lizard. We finished with a walk through Velvet Bottom, where a basking Adder provided a memorable finale to an enjoyable and varied Somerset wildlife adventure.

Here are some of the photos from the tour.......