AN AMBITIOUS appeal to raise more than half a million pounds has been launched to transform a Somerset nature reserve.

The Somerset Wildlife Trust wants to purchase a six-hectare piece of land that currently separates two parts of the Catcott Nature Reserve, part of the Avalon Marshes, making it “better for wildlife and better for people”.

SWT has been managing land at Catcott since the late 1960s and a spokesperson said the plan aims to improve the site hope to strike a better balance for wildlife and people.

The marshes – a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) – provide habitats such as hay meadows, wet woodland, grassland, and fen, providing homes for a raft of birdlife, otters, water voles, dragonflies, and the elusive European eel, as well as attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year.

The field the trust wishes to purchase will connect two areas by both land and water, providing a green corridor through which wildlife can move.

The fund could also allow the trust to expand a ‘scrape’ (a shallow wading pond) which will provide a larger and richer breeding ground for wading birds, attracting and supporting vulnerable species like lapwing, snipe and curlew.

Otters and more are inhabitants at Avalon Marshes. Picture: Andrew Kirby

Becky Fisher, SWT head of engagement, said the fundraiser could also allow the site to become more accessible for visitors.

“Nature is for everyone – but that first step can sometimes be daunting – especially for first time nature explorers and for people with additional mobility needs,” she said.

“For decades, the Lows bird hide has given visitors unforgettable close-up encounters with Catcott’s remarkable birdlife and wild residents, but as it ages, it no longer meets the needs of all our visitors.

“Replacing it with a spacious, accessible wildlife lookout means we can welcome more visitors to experience the wonder of nature up close.

“Just a few metres from the car park, this lookout will offer a front-row seat to some of Somerset’s spectacular wetland wildlife, with the incredible view of Glastonbury Tor as a backdrop.

“We’ll also resurface the car park and track for smoother access, and repair or replace the bridges and boardwalk so that everyone can explore safely and comfortably. We’re really excited.”

The Trust aims to replace the aging Lows Hide with an inclusive and accessible wildlife lookout, with nearby tracks being resurfaced and bridges and boardwalks repaired or replaced.

The target of the appeal is £535,000 and SWT says it would “secure the future of the reserve, making it a place where people and wildlife can flourish together for years to come”.

An egret on the reserve. Picture: Andrew Kirby

Mark Blake, senior reserves manager, added: “Although the extra piece of land is relatively small, acquiring it is really important. Not only will it improve connections within the reserve itself, but it will also help link the reserve more firmly to the wider Avalon Marshes area.

“It has always been our ambition to ensure that wildlife can move and thrive across the whole of the Somerset Levels, filling the gaps where we can for the benefit of all species – so being able to make this connection at Catcott is yet another step in that ambition.

“The ‘scrape’ next to the Lows hide is an absolute mecca for vulnerable birds like lapwing, snipe, and curlew. Increasing its size will create richer feeding and breeding grounds for these and many other muddy-edge-loving water and wading birds, both resident and overwintering.”

For more details on SWT and the appeal, log on to somersetwildlife.org.

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