Laburnum House Lodge Hotel

Nature Reserve & Walks

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

The Huntspill River Nature Reserve lies between Bridgwater and Burnham-On-Sea and runs the length of the Huntspill River; from the Seaward Outfall Sluice to the Gold Corner Pumping Station.

 

The Huntspill River is an artificial waterway, being constructed in the early 1940's to supply water for the Royal Ordinance Factory (ROF) at Purition, Somerset. It's constructed nature is evident from the markedly straight course which it takes through the Sedgemoor countryside.

 

Although far from being designed as a wildlife preserve, it has - in the years following it's construction - become a notable haven for various (sometimes rare) species of birds, fish and insects. In 1954 it was incorporated as part of the Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve, by what is now known as English Heritage. This region has been managed by the Environment Agency since 1999.

 

Fishing:

Due to it's fairly straight and uniform course, the River Huntspill is nationally recognised as a popular site for Coarse Fishing. As a result, it is highly popular with Anglers and has been the venue for numerous match-fishing competitions for decades.

 

Wildlife:

Among the most commonest birds to be found on around the River Huntspill include Shelduck, Goosander, Swans, Snipe, Redshank and Heron. The area has, since 1992, has been host to more than half a dozen nesting boxes, aimed at providing an alternative breeding sites for Barn Owls.

 

The river is also host to rare insects such as the hairy dragonfly, water boatmen and a specific local breed of water beetle.

Our Hotel is a member of the Ramblers Association!

The Huntspill River Nature Reserve

And local Walks.

New life!

The Parrett Trail is a recently-established walk, orientated along the course of the River Parrett. It extends 50 miles, from Stert point to Cheddington (just off the above map’s lower edge).  It is best enjoyed as a series of short walks over a period of  4-7 days.

 

For further information please visit   http://www.riverparrett-trail.org.uk/