Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve
Westhay Moor is north of the village of Westhay in Somerset. The car park is just off the road to Godney, at the junction with Daggs Lane Drove. A National Cycle Network route runs along a disused railway line, just south of Westhay village.
A
Meare walk
posted on 30/08/21 by Somerset Wildlife Trust. Last update : 30/08/21
Description
(S/E) From the car park turn right and follow the path north alongside one of the lakes formed by historic peat extraction.
(1) Turn left by the pull in and head towards the Viridor Hide. From the hide follow the drove west past the starling sculpture depicting one of the Levels’ most iconic wildlife spectacles.
(2) The gate here provides access to the raised mire. Walkthrough the largest remnant of lowland raised mire in southwest England.
Follow the path right along the wooded edge, this bears left and takes you through the trees. Turn right along the path on the higher ground and head back across the mire.
(3) Upon reaching the gate turn right along the path before heading north at the next left. This track heads north towards the Tower Hide.
Upon leaving the Tower Hide follow the path southeast through the reedbed until you reach the drove. Turn left onto the drove and retrace your route past the Viridor Hide to the car park.(S/E)
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 3 m - Car park
- 1 : km 0.33 - alt. 3 m - Viridor Hide
- 2 : km 0.63 - alt. 3 m - Raised mire
- 3 : km 1.56 - alt. 5 m - Gate
- S/E : km 2.62 - alt. 3 m - Car park
Useful Information
Exposed water is found across the reserve so please keep to marked paths and take care around these areas. There is also extensive grazing in some parts of the reserve so please be aware of cattle and ponies. Due to the delicate nature of the site dogs are not allowed on the mire and should be kept on leads on permissive tracks.
More details : https://www.somersetwildlife.org/wildlif...
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
Otter
Look for dark smears of poo with fish bones in them on prominent stones or logs. This is how the Otter marks its territory.
Bearded Reedling
Cinnamon-brown with long tails, they have grey heads with a black ‘moustache’ (rather than a beard) and a yellow bill and eyes. Female Bearded Reedlings are less colourful and do not have a moustache.
Emperor Dragonfly
Listen out for the distinctive crashing sound of rival Emperor Dragonflies clashing in mid air.
