Celebrate Countryside Day with us at Shapwick Moor

CPRE, the countryside charity, has been protecting and celebrating our countryside for almost 100 years.

CPRE Countryside Day is a celebration of everything that is good about the countryside. 

For Countryside Day 2025, CPRE Somerset are teaming up with the Hawk and Owl Trust to offer a guided walk around Shapwick Moor Nature Reserve.  Come and explore the newest nature reserve on the Avalon Marshes with the experts.  

Enjoy a guided walk with the Hawk and Owl Trust

This is a great opportunity to learn how degraded agricultural land has been changed into a haven for wildlife and a place for people to enjoy. Former arable fields are gradually being restored to herb-rich grassland and fen, through careful management of water levels, grazing and cutting for hay. There are two viewing hides, both with step-free access.  There are several owl boxes on the reserve, as part of the Trust's "adopt a nest box" scheme.  Recently, signs of beaver activity have been spotted!

Volunteers will be on hand to explain the history of the site and how the different habitats are managed. 

We expect the event to take around 2 hours.

Huge thanks to the Hawk and Owl Trust for sharing the afternoon with us.

What you need to know

Booking: Because this is a guided walk, we can only accommodate a maximum of 30 people. All ages welcome. Pre-booking is essential.

Tickets are free of charge but we invite you to make a donation of at least £5, which will go directly to the Hawk & Owl Trust

Access to the reserve is along a main track which is fairly level however there are a few lumps and bumps and there might be puddles.  There is an additional footpath which runs through two fields which includes one wooden footbridge with stile and one concrete ‘farm-style’ bridge with a metal handrail and steps. The walk is not far but those with limited mobility may struggle on the uneven ground. Sturdy footwear recommended. Please contact us if you are in doubt and we will try to help.

 Limited car parking is available on site.  In order, to keep spaces available for less mobile visitors, we strongly encourage you to park instead at the Avalon Marshes Centre (BA6 9TT or what3words: //cave.logbook.icon) .  This is a level 15 minute walk from the reserve.  Parking is free and the Centre has toilets and a café so it makes a really good base for your afternoon out with us.

Toilets:  There are no toilets on the reserve - nearest facilities are at the Avalon Marshes Centre, 1.2 miles away.