Somerset Levels in Winter

UNITED KINGDOM

February 10–13, 2021 from £795 per person | with Peter Exley

• Join the RSPB’s Peter Exley on this winter wildlife tour to look out for

Somerset’s growing fock of cranes, recently reintroduced after a 400- year absence • Visit key historical sites including

Glastonbury Abbey, and keep an eye out for bitterns, barn owls and marsh harriers at one of the country’s most exciting and beautiful wildlife projects – the Avalon Marshes • Explore one of the RSPB’s oldest and largest nature reserves at West

Sedgemoor, walking along an ancient drove route to view the remarkable winter wildfowl roost Te Somerset Levels have had a colourful history: ‘the land of the summer people’ was once home to a Bronze Age population and it was here, in the house of a swineherd, that King Alfred sought refuge from marauding Vikings. Wildlife is now returning to England’s largest wetland in dramatic numbers – from the millions-strong murmuration of roosting starlings, to the growing fock of cranes recently reintroduced after a 400- year absence. As well as observing the region’s wildlife, our tour will investigate key historical sites such as Glastonbury Abbey, England’s oldest abbey, and Glastonbury Tor, reputed to be the birthplace of King Arthur. Te Avalon Marshes host one of the country’s most exciting wildlife projects: over 3000 hectares of wetland habitats have been created from former peat workings, giving refuge to bitterns, barn owls and marsh harriers. Greylake, once a series of carrot felds, has been transformed into a wetland reserve teeming with wildlife, whilst West Sedgemoor is home to up to 100,000 ducks and waders during the winter. Our base will be the charming fourstar Swan Hotel, ideally located in the historical city of Wells, a short distance from its beautiful cathedral.

Day 1 Tour assembles 1500 at Swan Hotel, Wells, for three nights. Visit to Wells Cathedral followed by welcome and introductory talk. Day 2 RSPB Ham Wall Nature Reserve: wetland and reed beds (bitterns, bearded tits, egrets, harriers) followed by Glastonbury Tribunal (15th century merchant’s house, containing the Glastonbury Lake Village Museum – please note this visit is subject to confrmation). Afternoon: Glastonbury Abbey, Glastonbury Tor (optional 250- foot climb to the summit). Day 3 RSPB West Sedgemoor (winter wildfowl roost, birds of prey) and look for the crane fock. Afternoon: Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre (Somerset osier industry), Isle of Athelney (King Alfred’s hiding place), RSPB Greylake Reserve (swans, snipe, peregrines). Evening: Avalon Marshes (starling roost, birds of prey). Day 4 Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve: pools, reed beds, wet woodlands (including site of Sweet Track Neolithic causeway) for winter wildlife (bitterns, harriers, waterfowl). Tour disperses 1230 at hotel.

Please note that the itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and some elements may be subject to change or confrmation. Itinerary alterations during the tour are likely due to changeable local weather conditions and we cannot guarantee the presence of all wildlife mentioned. Somerset Levels with Glastonbury Tor in the distance

This tour will be led by Peter Exley, BSc, an ecologist and ornithologist who has held posts with BirdLife International and the Albatross Task Force in South Africa. Now working for the RSPB, Peter has led and managed many ACE tours in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Algarve, New England, Madeira, the Faroes and Shetland. Peter is delighted to be returning to Somerset for this long-standing ACE tour: “The Somerset Levels are one of our greatest historic and cultural landscapes, yet largely ignored by visitors. But they are rapidly and rightly becoming known as one of our country’s best wildlife destinations. And for me, it is the conficted fusion of nature and people through history that makes this place truly unique and special, that draws me back again and again.”

FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Walks are along mostly level tracks and paths, which can be muddy in places. These vary from half a mile to just under two miles (over two hours) on the fnal day, with some stops and occasional seats along the way. The optional climb up Glastonbury Tor is around 250 feet on a narrow paved path with multiple steps. The ground can be uneven or slippery, and some hides have steep steps.

Cost of £795 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £90. TOUR CODE: SOLE21