More than just a wetland
The restoration of the Somerset Levels wetland
Location: Somerset Levels
The Assignment Phototeam
What will 2020VISION be doing?
As well capturing some of the evocative landscapes of the Levels we'll also be working closely with The Somerset Wildlife Trust to document their Living Landscape project in the Brue Valley. Some of the wildlife highlights we aim to capture include, otter, bittern and the amazing starling roost.
When will 2020VISION be there?
- 20th to 23rd June 2011
Where is it?
The Somerset Levels and Moors is an extensive area of low lying coastal and flood plain grazing marsh to the Severn Estuary between the Mendip Hills in the south and Bristol in the north.
Why is it important?
The Levels contain some of the most important wetland habitat in Britain, that supports a rich biodiversity of national and international importance and includes 32 Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The Levels help to protect against flooding, provide clean water and play an important role in the process of soil formation. The area also provides good access to the natural environment for local people as well as attracting an increasing number of tourists.
What's the project's aim?
The vision of the Living Landscape project is for a profitable countryside, enriched with wildflower meadows, interconnected wetlands and well managed woodlands to create a robust and sustainable countryside for the benefit of people and wildlife.
Who's involved?
Both the Avon and Somerset Wildlife Trusts are working closely with local landowners on the management of wildlife habitats as part of their Living Landscape projects. There are three National Nature Reserves in the area: Shapwick Heath managed by Natural England, Ham Wall owned and managed by the RSPB and and Westhay Moor owned and managed by the Somerset Wildlife Trust.
What's happening there?
Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Brue Valley Living Landscape project is working to restore, recreate and reconnect wildlife habitats across this valuable area of wetland. The Avon Wildlife Trust's North Somerset Wetland project has similar aims and is working closely with landowners and others to improve wetland habitat.
Find out more
http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/nnr/regions/southwest.aspx
http://www.somersetwildlife.org/brue_valley.html
http://www.somersetwildlife.org/catcott_complex.html
http://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife/project_nslm.htm
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/h/hamwall/index.aspx
