West Sedgemoor

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

West Sedgemoor
A lake at the RSPB West Sedgemoor nature reserve
A lake at the RSPB West Sedgemoor nature reserve
Area of Search Somerset
Grid Reference ST361258
Interest Biological
Area 1016.0 hectare (2510.0 acre)
Notification 1983
Location Map English Nature

West Sedgemoor (grid reference ST361258) is a 1016.0 hectare (2510.0 acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest forms part of the Somerset Levels and Moors in Somerset, notified in 1983.

The site, part of which is a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds reserve, comprises numerous small, low lying fields and meadows separated by narrow water-filled rhynes and ditches. A rich invertebrate fauna is present including scarce water beetles, dragonflies and bugs. The site also supports good populations of waterfowl, especially waders. Breeding birds include Snipe, Lapwing, Redshank, Curlew, Water Rail, Yellow Wagtail and Whinchat.[1]

Swell Wood, an ancient deciduous wood on the southern edge of the reserve, has one of the UK's largest heronries, which is best visited between March and June.[2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ West Sedgemoor. English Nature. Retrieved on 2006-08-22.
  2. ^ West Sedgemoor. RSPB Reserves. Retrieved on 2006-08-22.


Coordinates: 51.02800° N 2.91256° W