Natural England

Natural England’s Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve is the best place in England to see one of nature’s masterpieces.

At this time of year hundreds of thousands of starlings are coming in to roost every day and provide a fantastic sight for those lucky enough to see it.

While many local people on Somerset Levels know this already, it was plain to see for millions of entranced TV viewers as Shapwick Heath and the starlings were top of the bill on BBC’s Autumn Watch this week.

Phil Holms, Shapwick Heath’s Site Manager said: “Shapwick is open to the public all year round but at this time of year we’re especially busy because of the starlings which provide an awesome display at dawn and dusk. It’s not only a visual spectacular, the noise this many birds make is like nothing you’ll have heard before. It’s truly amazing.

The starlings are not the only masterpiece in the gallery however. At this time of year otters provide a more discrete, but none the less, heart stopping, picture. We’ve got some specially located hides where human visitors can enjoy what is now the near unique experience of otters going about their business.”

Simon King, the BBC’s Autumn Watch presenter on site at Shapwick Heath said: “I have known Shapwick Heath since a boy and I have seen the progression from bare peat to one of the finest example of wetland flora and fauna in the UK.

“The presence of otters here in numbers is sign of the site’s well-being. Not the just a presence, but they also fish and play during daylight hours. Much of this is due to the public support for the reserve as a dog-free zone. With dogs around you may still get some otters, but you won’t see them.

“So, if you want to see spectacular birds and otters a plenty, Natural England’s Shapwick Heath is the place to be.”

Natural England manages Shapwick Heath and other nature reserves throughout the south west, most of which are open to the public and provide a fantastic opportunity to see and learn about the wealth of wildlife on our doorsteps. For more information about these places and other opportunities visit www.naturalengland.org.uk and follow the link for countryside visitors.

Notes for editors:

Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.

For further information contact:
Paul Wynne, South West Press Officer on 07900 608049
Phil Holms, Shapwick Heath Site Manager on 01458 860120