The Somerset Levels

Tour Code: GBR11

An exciting two days on the wonderful Somerset Levels in search of a whole host of special species and culminating with the spectacular Starling roost.

£495

Land Only

Book Now Saved Tours

Why Choose Naturetrek?

50+ Trustpilot Reviews

45+ Google Reviews

Click any badge to read more reviews

Tour Itinerary and Reports

View Day by Day Itinerary and Tour Reports

1 Itinerary 61 Tour Reports

Can I Help You?

Simon Dicks

Operations Consultant

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Carbon Footprint

This tour has no carbon footprint data available. Please check back later.

Highlights

Enjoy the aerial artistry of a million-strong Starlings as they gather at dusk prior to roosting
The optional opportunity to return at dawn to watch the Starlings emerge from the roost
Bittern, Great White Egret, and Bearded Tit regularly seen
Special effort to find the Cranes which have been re-introduced to the area and now breed
Birds of prey including Marsh Harrier and Peregrine with large concentrations of wintering wildfowl & waders
A 3-star hotel, with award-winning restaurant, beside the cathedral in the historic market town of Wells
Led by expert naturalist guides

Summary

The magical movements and acrobatics of a million roosting Starlings. Bitterns. Huge congregations of wintering wildfowl, Lapwings and Golden Plovers. Birds of prey; amongst them the possibility of Barn Owls, Marsh and Hen Harriers, Peregrine and for the very fortunate Merlin. These are just some of the possible highlights on offer at this special expanse of seasonally inundated lowlands that spans 650 square kilometres between the Quantock and Mendip Hills. This ancient habitat, that until recently had fallen victim to drainage and other modern farming demands, has now been restored to much of its former glory by the RSPB and other conservation bodies. It is a heartening modern-day conservation 'success story'!

The Somerset Levels, a magical expanse of seasonally inundated lowlands that spans 650 square kilometres between the Quantock and Mendip Hills, is a conservation ‘success story’! An ancient habitat that, until recently, had fallen victim to drainage and other modern farming demands, has now been restored to much of its former glory by the RSPB and other conservation bodies. Indeed the area supports such a rich variety of plant and birdlife that it is under consideration for status as a World Heritage Site.

Our visit is timed to coincide with the massive flocks of wildfowl that gather here during the winter, when internationally important numbers of Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Pintail and Shoveler are present. Another species found here in vast flocks is the Starling, made famous in recent years by BBC coverage. A dusk outing to watch hundreds of thousands of birds swirling over their roost sites makes for breathtaking viewing. The other star attraction of the area is the Bittern. Habitat creation has, in recent years, attracted several breeding pairs, and in winter these are joined by migrants, giving us a good chance of seeing one standing among the reeds or flying across the vast reedbeds.

There are small numbers of wintering raptors such as Short-eared Owl, Merlin, Peregrine, Marsh Harrier and Hen Harrier, and in recent winters it has been possible to watch Great White Egret alongside Little Egret with regularity. This superb bird bred in the UK for the first time in 2012 and chose the Somerset levels in which to do so, such is the extent and quality of the habitat. Another bird which we will hope to encounter is the Common Crane which has been re-introduced here as part of the Great Crane Project. It can be unpredictable as to their whereabouts but many have been lucky.

Otters do occur on the Somerset Levels, though few are lucky enough to see them on such a short visit.

There is a very special quality to the landscape and wildlife of the Somerset Levels, and there are wonderful views across Glastonbury Tor, Deer Leap and Wookey. Indeed a visit here in winter can offer a host of rewards, so please do join us on this ever-popular Naturetrek short break!

Outline Itinerary

Day

Arrive Wells.

Days

2 - 3

Somerset Levels; Avalon Marshes; King's Sedgemoor; West Sedgemoor.

What's Included?

Food

Breakfasts and 3-course evening meals included in the price.

Accommodation

A comfortable 3-star hotel, with an award-winning restaurant, in the historic market town of Wells; all rooms have private facilities.

Documents

Itineraries

Itinerary

Wildlife Tours in Africa

Wildlife Tours in Asia

Wildlife Tours in Australasia

Wildlife Tours in Caribbean

Wildlife Tours in Central America

Wildlife Tours in Europe

Wildlife Tours in Middle East

Wildlife Tours in North America

Wildlife Tours in Polar

Wildlife Tours in South America

Wildlife Tours in United Kingdom

Birds

Mammals

Cruises

Polar

Ways to Travel

Special Interest

Holiday Type

Antarctica

Tailormade Regions

About Naturetrek

Events & News

The Somerset Levels

£495

Why Choose Naturetrek?

Tour Itinerary and Reports

Can I Help You?

Simon Dicks

Carbon Footprint

Highlights

Summary

Outline Itinerary

What's Included?

Food

Accommodation

Documents

Itineraries

Tour Reports

Dates & Prices

2026

Wed 9th - Fri 11th Dec FULL

Tour Leaders

Wed 16th - Fri 18th Dec SPACES £495 Book Now

Tour Leaders

2027

Wed 6th - Fri 8th Jan SPACES £550 Book Now

Wed 20th - Fri 22nd Jan SPACES £550 Book Now

Wed 8th - Fri 10th Dec SPACES £550 Book Now

Wed 15th - Fri 17th Dec SPACES £550 Book Now

2028

Wed 5th - Fri 7th Jan SPACES £575 Book Now

Wed 19th - Fri 21st Jan SPACES £575 Book Now

Tue 5th - Thu 7th Dec SPACES £575 Book Now

Wed 13th - Fri 15th Dec SPACES £575 Book Now

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

Why Naturetrek?

Why Choose Naturetrek?

Videos

Gallery

01962 733051

Our tours

about us

Legal & Info

My Saved Tours

Saved Tours

{{ result.name }}