Somerset’s Summer Wildlife 1st - 4th June 2026

 

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....... 

 

Cow Wheat

Avocet

Avocet 

Greenshank

4-spotted chasers

Red-eyed Damselfly 

4-Spotted Dragonfly 

Red-eyed Damselflies 

Scarce Chaser 

Male Reed Bunting 

Black-tailed Godwits 

Grass Snake 

Grass Snakes

Meadow Crane's-bill

Heath Spotted Orchid

Greater Butterfly Orchid

Swollen-thighed Beetles

Common Twayblade

Greater Butterfly Orchid 

Large Skipper 

Soldier Beetle 

Vestal Cuckoo Bee 

Heath Spotted Orchid 

Bee Orchid 

Yellow-barred Long-horn 

Bloody-nosed Beetle 

Roe Deer

Charterhouse, Mendips
 

Exploring the Natural Wonders of Somerset June 2025

 A three day tour for Naturetrek taking in the best Somerset has to offer in June.

Bee Orchid

 

 

The Quantock Hills.

We ventured to Hodder’s Combe in the Quantock Hills, a region famous for its ancient oak woodlands. Here, we spotted a variety of birds, including pied flycatchers, lesser spotted woodpeckers, and redstarts. Among the fungi population were striking specimens of Chicken-of-the-Woods.

Chicken-of-the-Woods

 

One client discovered stoneflies and caddisflies in a stream, highlighting the diversity of aquatic life in the area. We enjoyed lunch at the evocatively named Dead Woman’s Ditch, an historic site thought to be named after a tragic event centuries ago. Moving onward, we took in sweeping views from Black Hill’s trig point, looking across Bridgwater Bay to Wales, with the islands of Flatholm and Steepholm dotting the horizon. Saw Dartford Warblers at this site.

Later, at WWT Steart Marshes on the coast, we observed nesting avocets, oystercatchers, little ringed plovers, and shelducks—an incredible display of wetland wildlife.

Nesting Avocet (from my photo library)

 

 

Somerset Levels.

On the 2nd day we paid a visit to RSPB Ham Wall, the flagship reserve of the Somerset Levels, introduced us to a spectacular array of birdlife, including great crested grebes feeding their young, gadwall, pochard, and the unmistakable booming of bitterns. A sky full of swallows, swifts, and sand martins added to the atmosphere.

 

Great-crested Grebe with youngster. (from my photo library)

Polden Hills.

Lunch at Avalon Marshes Tea Hub provided a moment to relax before heading to Ivythorn Hill on the Polden Hills, a National Trust reserve. Here, the wildflowers were in full bloom, featuring five species of orchids—common spotted, pyramidal, common twayblade, greater butterfly, and bee orchids—alongside an abundance of insects, from great-green bush crickets to lacewings and hoverflies.

Collard Hill was our next stop, but the landscape appeared overgrazed compared to previous years. However, the south-facing escarpment still held pockets of floral beauty, offering sweeping views across Sedgemoor’s wetlands.

Bee Orchid

Common spotted Orchid

Common Twayblade

Greater Butterfly Orchid

 

Scarce Chaser

Marbled White

Great green Bush Cricket

The Dramatic Beauty of Cheddar Gorge

On day 3 we ascended to Blackmoor Reserve on the Mendip Hills National Landscape, where we explored remnants of old lead mines and pond ecosystems. The walk through Nether Woods revealed a tapestry of red campion and fluttering insects.

 Lunch was enjoyed amidst the towering limestone cliffs of Cheddar Gorge, one of Somerset’s most iconic landmarks. Oliver made an exciting discovery—Cheddar Pinks, a rare flower native to the gorge, prompting a few of us to climb higher for photographs.

Cheddar Pinks

 We scanned the ponds near Cheddar village in hopes of spotting water voles but were unsuccessful. However, a peaceful hour spent at Cheddar Reservoir was the perfect way to conclude our exploration.

The Naturetrek Somerset team