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/

 

Local Walks:

There are many scenic walks right outside your door at Laburnum House. A member of staff can assist with directions, just ask.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

 

The Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve was established in 1954 to provide a suitable habitat for rare local wildlife, and to ensure this very special area of Somerset survives in an unspoilt state for future generations.

 

The region can be divided into two general regions; the Mudflats and the Salt marshes.

 

The Mudflats cover an irregular area measuring 14km long and about 4km to 0.5 km wide. Geographically, the mudflats comprise of the Stert Flats, Fenning Island/Stert Point and the Burnham-on-sea and West Huntspill coastal regions. Stert Island - about a kilometre away from Stert Point - also lies within this region. It is an internationally acknowledged nesting site for a variety of rare (and more commonplace) bird-species.

 

Most of the mudflats remain covered during high tide and are themselves best viewed during low tide. However - for the purposes of bird watching - it is advisable to visit the region during high tide, as the birds fly and feed closer to the coast during that time.

 

The Salt marshes run along the border of the above coastal areas, and mark the boundary between the mudflats and dry land.

 

Geology:

Geologically, the Bridgwater Bay Nature Reserve region comprises mainly of sedimentary rock dating back to the late Jurassic period. Limestone strata are located in the reserve's southern portion. A surface earth-fault also runs near it's northern boundary. This originates about 8km out from Bridgwater Bay, crosses the reserve and then continues inland in a south-westerly direction for approximately 40km.

 

Birdlife:

The specific types of birds present on the mudflats differs throughout the year; being determined by cycles of avian migration and immigration. During spring and autumn various wading birds rest while travelling to and from various migration sites. Shelduck gather to moult there during the summer. In the winter, Curlew, Dunlin, Lapwing, Teal and Widgeon frequent the region. On the Salt marshes a variety of birds can also be found - especially Widgeon during the winter months.

 

Access:

Fenning Island can be accessed via a pathway leading from the official Stert car park. This area is especially suited to ornithological pursuits, as a bird watching tower is located on the Island.

 

Stert Island is a roosting area which can only be visited between April and October. A permit is required to gain access to this region. They can be obtained from the English Nature Site Manager, who can be contacted via their regional office telephone number; (01823)-283211.

 

PLEASE ALSO NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

 

Please take special care when visiting the mudflats. Visitors should never attempt to walk on them under any circumstances, as the mud they comprise of is soft, deep and notoriously unforgiving. In addition, the Mudflats were used for bombing practice-runs during World War II; hence there is also a risk of encountering unexploded shells from that era.

A view of the Levels..