Wet, Wet, Wet: Beaver and Human Wetlands of Heal Somerset

Discover how humans and beavers are joining forces to restore vibrant wetland ecosystems at Heal Somerset. On this guided walk and talk with rewilding ranger Daniel Hill, you will experience first-hand these developing wetlands and learn how dams, ponds, scrapes and more can shape water movement, biodiversity, and habitat recovery. Together you will explore how beaver activity and human intervention can complement each other to create healthier habitats, cleaner water, and climate-resilient ecosystems.

About Daniel Hill

As the Rewilding Ranger at Heal Somerset, Dan manages the site’s monitoring and land management programs. You can find him surveying for signs of beavers, co-ordinating volunteer work parties, or working with partners to deliver the hydrological restoration plan, amongst a huge variety of other tasks. Dan’s passion for nature was sparked as a child growing up on an organic small holding in rural south Wales watching red kites soar above. His love of rewilding developed through volunteering with the RSPB on the Somerset Levels after completing a degree in Mathematical Sciences.

LOCATION

Heal Somerset is in a very rural location, a few miles from Bruton, Frome, the A303 and the Wiltshire border, at Lower West Barn Farm, Bindon Lane, Witham Friary, BA11 5HH. Directions will be sent in a confirmation email.

Photo credit for beaver pic: Pete Matthews

CLOTHING AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

We recommend you bring binoculars for this walk, if you don't have any you could use, please let us know ahead of the day.

It is likely to be wet underfoot so we recommend that you wear wellingtons or sturdy waterproof shoes or walking boots suitable for rough, uneven ground. If the forecast is wet, bring a waterproof jacket and a hat and dress warmly.

[We give this level of detail to encourage wider participation in our events by people who may be unfamiliar with being out in nature and we hope this is useful for them as well as a reminder to those already aware.]

ACCESSIBILITY

The site is not yet wheelchair-accessible, but we do have one all-terrain mobility scooter available. If you would like to use this, please let us know ahead of the event.

If you use an assistance dog, your dog will be welcome.

If you have any additional questions about accessibility please email events@healrewilding.org.uk.

OTHER THINGS

Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel this walk and either refund you or book you into an alternative date. This would be due to a very poor weather forecast or illness and will be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

Please note, tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.

Children and babies

Children over 14 are welcome on the walk as are babies in slings (the site is not pushchair-friendly in a lot of areas). Please contact events@healrewilding.org.uk for more information about bringing children.

Dogs

We welcome assistance dogs but you can't bring a pet dog or any other pets to the site.

Supporting Heal

Please note, the proceeds from your ticket price will go towards supporting the work of Heal.

You'll also have the chance to become a Friend of Heal and to donate to support our work.

Special ticketing

If you are unwaged, a student or living on a very low income and the cost of attending is prohibitive, please email events@healrewilding.org.uk as we may be able to support your attendance. Please note this may not always be possible.

Local accommodation

We can't offer accommodation yet at Heal Somerset. There are lots of places to stay in and around Frome and Bruton.

Transport

The remote rural location means that travelling here by car is the most practical option and there will be car parking available for all tour participants.