Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Somerset Levels and Moors Ramsar Site encompasses approximately 64,600 hectares of low-lying wetlands in southwestern England, primarily in the county of Somerset. This internationally important site includes extensive flat tracts of peat and clay soils, drained and managed for agriculture and wildlife conservation. The landscape is dominated by water meadows, reed beds, drainage ditches, and open water bodies. These wetlands provide crucial habitats for a wide range of species, particularly migratory and overwintering birds such as Bewick's swans, Eurasian wigeons, and rare bitterns. The site also supports important populations of otters, water voles, and several amphibian species. Historically, the Levels have been shaped by centuries of land reclamation and water management through a network of rhynes (ditches) and drainage systems managed by the internal drainage boards. Visitors find the site appealing for birdwatching, cycling, walking, and angling with highlights including the Avalon Marshes, Westhay Moor, and Shapwick Heath nature reserves. The area offers accessible trails that pass through reed beds and alongside expansive wetlands where wildlife can be observed up close. Notable landmarks include the Glastonbury Tor visible from parts of the Levels, and traditional peat-cutting sites. The site’s cultural history, combined with its natural richness, attracts outdoor enthusiasts, naturalists, and photographers. Management efforts continue to balance flood protection, agriculture, and wildlife conservation, maintaining its status as a Ramsar wetland of international importance.
