Ten Things to Do at Steart Marshes in Winter
This year we have all enjoyed visiting our local natural spaces, watching the seasons come and go. As the sun weakens and the temperature drops, we often forget about the benefits of the outdoors and hunker down in our cosy homes. Yet winter is a great time to visit your local wetland and explore the sights and sounds on offer. Whatever the weather, there is always something to see and do here at Steart Marshes. Here are some ideas.
Watch birds at high tide.
The winter months are the best time to see large flocks of migrants, such as dunlin, golden plover and more. See our website for the latest tide tables. Aim for high tides of around 6 metres. Head for the River Parrett and the breach for murmurations and Otterhampton Marsh for flocks of feeding waders.
Credit: Nick Wilcox-Brown
Go on a sensory walk.
Listen to the reeds blowing in the wind, watch the sun rise over the River Parrett, witness the flocks of waders flying over the wetlands, or skim your hand over the tall grasses.
Find a puddle and splash about!
Venture out in the rain or just afterwards with your wellies and get splashing in the puddles, just like the ducks.
Improve your mood.
Being beside water is good for our wellbeing. Enjoy a walk along our pathways and look out over our watery spaces.
Get creative.
Bring a sketchpad and make an impression of your surroundings. Bring crayons and take part in our self-led rubbings trail. See how many species you can spot on our sculpture trail. And admire our giant longhorn!
Find a deeper connection.
Explore an aspect of nature in depth. Take a closer look at the soil, the grass under your feet, or the rippling water. Examine a feather. Sit and watch or close your eyes and listen. Lie back and watch the clouds pass by.
Enjoy a bespoke guided walk.
Our friendly volunteers can tailor a guided walk to your interests – whether that’s birds, flora, history or working wetlands. Why not arrange a tour for a loved one as a gift?
Get out in daylight.
Ward off those low moods and lack of energy which often come with the change in seasons and maximise your time outside in the light.
Sign up to volunteer with us.
Our wardens lead groups of volunteers in practical work all year round. Or join up to engage with other visitors about the reserve and its wildlife. You can help us to make a difference.
Join WWT.
Sign up for WWT membership and get free access to all WWT sites in the UK while helping us to protect wetlands and conserve species worldwide.
