Visitors enjoy exploring final section of Steart Marshes
Visitors to WWT Steart Marshes this weekend have enjoyed exploring 60 hectares of new wetland, as the final section of the UK’s biggest new wetland opens to the public.
The area, named Stockland Marsh after the nearest village, is distinct from the rest of the marshes in that it’s fed entirely by rainwater running off the surrounding hills, rather than being tidal.
A herd of rare-breed longhorn cattle belonging to local farmers graze the marsh to keep it in good condition and currently hundreds of swallows, house martins and sand martins are feasting on the rich insect life. It is also home to smooth newts, slow worms and water voles.
Stockland Marsh regulates the risk of local flooding from heavy rains by storing up water and releasing it slowly. It was put to the test during the wet winter of 2014. When much of Somerset was flooded for months, there was no flooding downstream of Stockland Marsh.
WWT’s Site Manager Alys Laver said:
“It’s really exciting to reveal the final part of Steart Marshes to the public. It feels completely different to the rest of the reserve and that’s because it’s freshwater, flowing from the surrounding hills, rather than sea water brought in on the tide.
“It allows us to show people a different side to the wonderful things that wetlands can do. After downpours this wetland area stores up rainwater, preventing it from flooding downstream.”
To explore Stockland Marsh visitors should park in the main car park at WWT Steart Marshes and follow the sign opposite the toilets.
