Ham Wall

Ham Wall: A Wetland Oasis in the Heart of England

Imagine a place where nature thrives, untouched by time, yet facing modern challenges. Welcome to Ham Wall, an English wetland National Nature Reserve nestled on the Somerset Levels. This unique ecosystem is not just a sanctuary for rare birds and plants; it’s a living testament to human ingenuity and environmental stewardship.

The History of Ham Wall

Ham Wall was formed from peat accumulated since the last Ice Age, a process that took millennia. Can you imagine the layers of history hidden beneath its surface? By the 20th century, large areas were exploited for horticultural demand, with Fisons reaching an annual production of 250,000 tonnes. After the demand fell, much of the land was transferred to English Nature, which created 13 square kilometers of wetland nature reserves, including Ham Wall.

Management and Conservation

The reserve is managed by the RSPB and Natural England, with a focus on rotating reed cutting to rejuvenate the reed beds and using native breeds of cattle to graze the margins. These practices ensure that Ham Wall remains a vibrant ecosystem for both wildlife and visitors.

The Bittern Recovery Program

The plight of the bittern drove the creation of Ham Wall. In 1997, only 11 males were present in the UK. Can you imagine how dire that situation was? The peat excavations provided a suitable habitat for reed beds, water channels, and fish, which were introduced to provide food for the bitterns. By 2013, the reserve contained 220 hectares of reed bed, including deep water channels and ditches.

Access and Facilities

The reserve is accessible by car from nearby villages and can be accessed at all times, with a small visitor center and toilets available on weekends. Ham Wall offers multiple trails, bird hides, and viewing platforms, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.

Fauna and Flora

The reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Birds such as bitterns, great white egrets, little bitterns, cattle egrets, grey herons, garganeys, marsh harriers, hobbies, bearded tits, Cetti’s warblers, reed warblers, common starlings, and otters can be spotted here. Can you imagine the thrill of spotting these rare species in their natural habitat?

Plants and animals are not listed in the text. Grass snakes, three species of newts, common toads, and frogs inhabit the Avalon marshes, along with non-native marsh frogs at Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath. A new eel pass was constructed to facilitate European eels’ entry from nearby rivers. Invertebrates found in the wetland include nationally uncommon aquatic molluscs and insects such as purple hairstreaks and scarlet tiger moths. 19 species of dragonflies and damselflies have been recorded at Ham Wall, including a roost of four-spotted chasers.

Threats to the Area

The reserve faces potential threats from climate change and sea level rise. Increased unpredictability in the UK climate could lead to heavy summer rains affecting wildlife, while sea level rise makes drainage more difficult.

Avalon Marshes Partnership

Ham Wall is part of the Avalon Marshes Partnership, which works with other organizations on conservation issues. It has received Heritage Lottery Fund grants and investments from other sources. This collaborative effort ensures that Ham Wall remains a vital part of England’s natural heritage.

The Future of Ham Wall

Ham Wall is more than just a nature reserve; it’s a living museum, showcasing the resilience and beauty of our natural world. What can we do to ensure that future generations can enjoy this unique ecosystem? By supporting conservation efforts and visiting responsibly, each one of us plays a role in preserving Ham Wall for years to come.

Ham Wall is not just a place; it’s a story waiting to be told. Join the narrative by exploring its trails, learning about its wildlife, and contributing to its preservation.