Steart Marshes Open Day 2019
The sun shone on Steart Marshes for our open day yesterday - a great chance for visitors to learn about working wetlands.
For the second year running we were lucky with the weather, which always helps. Our volunteers turned out in force to help staff organise and run the day. It was great to see so many volunteers and visitors enjoying the reserve.
A big thanks to everyone who supported us, including WWT membership, and Nia for the lovely photography. We also had representatives from the Environment Agency, Natural England, Bridgwater & Taunton College, and the Somerset Otter Group all talking about their work.
Alison Jacobs' created chalk art
Sophie Courtier ran willow weaving workshops
Artists in residence for the day were Alison and Tom Jacobs with charcoal, chalking and watercolours, Sophie Courtier with a willow weaving workshop, and Debby Hills on the spinning wheel. Activities included pond dipping, art, peg loom weaving, bird watching, 4x4 tours, walks and badge making. Entertainment was provided by the Combwich Community Choir and refreshments by Hill House and Styles ice-cream.
Pond dipping with the volunteers is always a popular activity - especially when water scorpions and cased caddis fly larvae are found!
As usual one of the biggest attractions was the livestock with some very friendly calves and lambs - look out for them on the reserve when you are passing!
