The site was created as an offset for the construction of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.
The managed realignment process involved breaching an old sea wall to allow the tide to return to land that had been protected for centuries.
Steart Marshes is a significant carbon sink, trapping sediment and vegetation that effectively locks away carbon dioxide.
The reserve is designed to act as a buffer against storm surges, protecting local villages from flooding.
It is one of the few places in the UK where you can observe the transition between freshwater and saltwater ecosystems in a controlled environment.
The area was historically reclaimed from the sea for agricultural use, largely for cattle grazing, before its conversion back to wetlands.
WWT Steart Marshes is one of the UK’s largest managed realignment projects, converting 400 hectares of farmland into saltmarsh and freshwater wetlands to provide flood protection and vital wildlife habitats. Located at the mouth of the River Parrett, the site features a diverse landscape of coastal lagoons, reedbeds, and grazed pastures. It serves as a major stopover for migratory wading birds and wildfowl, including curlews, avocets, and egrets. The reserve utilizes a system of sluices and channels to control tidal flooding, which helps create unique conditions for rare plant species. It is a vital site for carbon sequestration due to the rapid growth of saltmarsh vegetation. The area is managed by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in partnership with the Environment Agency.
The hides overlooking the saltmarsh lagoons provide the best vantage point for long-lens wildlife photography.
Bring high-quality binoculars, as many of the bird species remain at a significant distance from the footpaths.
Check the tide tables before visiting, as higher tides offer the best opportunities to see wading birds pushed closer to the observation points.
Stay on designated paths to avoid disturbing ground-nesting birds, especially during the spring breeding season.
Do not attempt to walk on the saltmarsh mudflats, as they are deep and dangerous, nor wander off-path during the nesting season.
Wear sturdy, waterproof walking boots and weather-appropriate layers; dogs must be kept on a lead at all times to protect wildlife.
