The Somerset Levels in Spring

Tour Code: GBR17

A 3-day birdwatching holiday in search of Hobby, breeding Bitterns and other natural history.

3 days from
£550

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Highlights

Spring is an excellent time for birdlife on the Somerset Levels, and this birdwatching holiday is timed to coincide with both the breeding season and spring migration. Congregations of hunting Hobbies, summer-plumaged passage waders, a riot of bird song (including 10 species of warbler!), and breeding Garganey, Bittern and Marsh Harrier may be amongst the highlights at this special expanse of seasonally inundated lowlands that spans 650 square kilometres between the Quantock and Mendip Hills. This ancient habitat, until recently the victim of drainage and other farming demands, but now restored to much of its former glory by the RSPB and other conservation bodies, is a heartening conservation 'success story'!

Enjoy spring birdlife on the Somerset Levels
Hobbies & summer-plumaged waders amongst the highlights
Plus breeding Bitterns, Garganey, Marsh Harriers & Barn Owls
Spring migration may produce a rarity or two!
We make an effort to find Common Crane on this tour with great success
3-star hotel, with award-winning restaurant, beside Wells Cathedral
Expertly escorted by a Naturetrek ornithologist

Grading

A 3-day holiday in search of the spring birdlife and other natural history found on these ancient moors and wetlands. 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 had, until recently, 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 plants and birdlife that it is under consideration for status as a World Heritage Site.

Due to overwhelming interest in our winter short break to the Somerset Levels, we are now offering additional dates on which to enjoy the area in May. Spring is an excellent time for birdlife on the Somerset Levels, and our visit in May is timed to coincide with the hustle and bustle of the breeding season and peak migration. May is one of the best times to watch one of the area’s special birds, the Hobby. These exquisite falcons congregate over certain lakes to take advantage of the abundance of prey and it is possible to see over 40 in the air together. Elsewhere, the number and variety of passage waders depends on water levels but we can expect small flocks of Whimbrel, summer plumaged Black-tailed Godwits and a few Ruff among commoner species.

With up to 10 species of warbler present it also provides an ideal opportunity for those keen to learn some bird songs. Garganey, Bittern, Marsh Harrier and Barn Owl all breed in small numbers and we will have the opportunity to look for each of them. And, with migration in full swing, there is always the chance of something unusual dropping in. There is a very special quality to the landscape and wildlife of the Somerset Levels, and one that is hard to put into words. So why not come and find out for yourself what this magical location has to offer.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Wells.

Day 2/3

The Somerset Levels; Avalon Marshes; West Sedgemoor.

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What's Included

What's Included?

Accommodation: All en suite rooms.
Food: Breakfasts and evening meals are included in the holiday cost beginning with the evening meal on Day 1 and finishing with breakfast on Day 3. Lunches are not included in the cost of this tour.

Reviews

I had long hoped to visit Somerset, my home county, to explore the bird life of the Levels. The problem was, I didn't know the best places to go. I have travelled many places birdwatching by myself, but felt I needed some expert guidance this time. I am pleased to say that this is what I got. The hotel, travel arrangements, guides and other participants were all spot on. By myself I would probably still be wondering if I would ever see that first ever Bittern!
S.S. Hampshire, May 22
The Somerset Levels in Spring is a very good tour and we saw everything we asked for and more. We went to the best places and had plenty of time at each stop. I didn't feel rushed at any point and we maximised the time available. Loved the early morning trip which was well worth getting up early for. Can't think of anything I would have wanted changed. The highlight for me was an amazing fly past from a Bittern that just took our breath away. Our tour leader, Matt, worked very hard to make sure we saw everything - he couldn't have done more for us!
S.C, Dorset, June 2021
This holiday is a long weekend staying in Wells, Somerset and visiting various nature reserves to see the local flora and fauna. Whilst it was full on from the itinerary point of view, I never felt rushed and the time passed so very quickly. I wanted to see a wild bittern and a wild crane and managed to tick off both birds on my list on the first day due to the skill and knowledge of the guides. The two vehicles were very comfortable with plenty of room for our group of 16 split between the vehicles and the journey between each reserve gave us an opportunity to look out for birds along the country lanes. We returned to the hotel in time for a shower and to get ready for dinner so the evenings were very relaxing. This mini break gave everyone the chance of bird watching with professional guides who knew the creatures well so it was perfect. There was no need to be an expert as everyone at all levels of knowledge was made very welcome and no question was a stupid question! The Guides knew plants, birds, insects and mammals so we were pretty well covered with all of the flora and fauna! They were both obviously very enthusiastic and loved the subject so it was a pleasure to listen to them. The trip, whilst full on with activities, was relaxing at the same time in a beautiful area of England.
M.R. Hampshire, May 19

The hotel was lovely and the food excellent. The birdwatching areas were superb and Matt took into account someone on the tour who struggled to walk very long distances, so tweaked things for her, which was so thoughtful. Matt is an excellent guide and so passionate about everything, He is an asset to you. Naturetrek is a brilliant organisation and I will come again. Thank you!
J.D. West Sussex

Excellent birdwatching experience, including a pre-breakfast dawn chorus excursion. The 2 days were led by excellent guides, who tried and generally succeeded in finding the birds on the parties wishlist, including Bitterns, Hobbys and Garganeys. The accommodation and meals, including the lunchtime pub stops were of a high quality.
R.C. Staffordshire

I had a wonderful time and got more than I expected... I really didn't expect to have so much fun or learn so much in such a short time. I will be looking for several more short breaks on the strength of this break and also a very special holiday abroad.
P.G. Devon

This was a thoroughly enjoyable mini-break - please do more!
S.S. Surrey

Our trip leaders were excellent. They complemented each other and together were informative, enthusiastic and made the two days very interesting and enjoyable.
Mr & Mrs G. Devon

Guide, Ed Drewitt, was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and total professional. Two full and enjoyable days.
G.D. Cheshire

Very enjoyable weekend. The trip leaders, Ed and Dave, were very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and very helpful. In addition they have an excellent sense of humour.
N.M. Yorkshire

Every now and then, in the cold wind and feeling tired, I wondered what on Earth I was doing standing around, or hiding, in the hides, although plenty to see. Then, on Sunday afternoon the sun broke through, one of our group spotted the upright figure of a bitten (we had heard it several times) in the reedbed, brilliantly camouflaged. Just at the moment everyone had fixed its location, it took flight a short distance. You could have heard a pin drop, and for a few seconds we were all hypnotised...
W.B. Surrey

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Dates & Prices

2026

Departures Availability Cost

Wed 8th Apr – Fri 10th Apr SPACES £550

Book Tour Show Details

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£550

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£95

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Tour Reports

Tour report - May 2021

Tour report - May 2019

Tour report - April 2019

Tour report - May 2018

Tour report - May 2016

Tour report - May 2015

Tour report - May 2014

Tour report - May 2013

Tour report - May 2012

Tour report - May 2011

Tour report - May 2010

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