RSPB Ham Wall
Updated 6 October 2026
What birds can you see at RSPB Ham Wall?
Spring (March to May)
Bitterns boom across the reserve, and Ham Wall holds one of the densest populations in Britain. Marsh harriers display, hobbies arrive to catch dragonflies over the reeds, and reed warblers, sedge warblers and Cetti's warblers sing from every ditch. Great white egrets, which first bred here in 2012, are at their nests.
Summer (June to August)
Bitterns make regular feeding flights over the reeds, which gives the best chance of seeing one. Kingfishers fish the channels, and barn owls hunt in front of the Avalon Hide on summer evenings. Little bitterns and cattle egrets have both bred here, and little egrets are common.
Autumn (September to November)
Bearded tits become easier to see along the reed edges. Duck numbers build, and waders and terns can drop in on passage. The first starlings arrive in late October, and the roost grows through November.
Winter (December to February)
Hundreds of thousands of starlings roost in the Avalon Marshes reedbeds. By day there are good numbers of teal and shoveler, water pipits on the wet margins, and siskins and lesser redpolls in the alders.
RSPB Ham Wall recent sightings: where to check
Most people searching for Ham Wall sightings want today's birds. We do not have a live feed for the reserve. These sources are updated by people on the ground:
- RSPB Ham Wall page: official news, car park hours and seasonal notices, including the starling roost.
- Somerset Ornithological Society: Ham Wall: the county bird society's site guide. Its main site carries Somerset bird news.
- eBird hotspot map: zoom to Glastonbury and open the Ham Wall hotspot for recent checklists.
- BirdGuides: national bird news. Some details are for subscribers only.
Our own tools: the sightings map shows what our users have logged nearby, you can log a sighting in under a minute, and species alerts in the app flag birds on your list.
Best time to visit RSPB Ham Wall
For starlings, visit from November to February and arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset. The roost moves around the Avalon Marshes and can be on Ham Wall or on Shapwick Heath across the road, so check the RSPB's latest notice on the day. The car park fills on winter weekends. For bitterns, go at dawn in April and May to hear booming, or in June for flight views.
Hides, trails and viewpoints
The RSPB trail map shows two hides, the Waltons screens and four trails. The main track follows an old railway line and is flat, wide and firm.
- First and second viewing platforms are on the main track, for scanning the reedbed and watching the starling roost.
- Tor View Hide looks over open water with Glastonbury Tor behind. It is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, as are the Waltons screens.
- Avalon Hide is a 0.5 mile detour off the loop, about 15 minutes each way. Go for marsh harriers and bitterns over the reeds, and barn owls in summer.
- Ham Wall loop: 2 miles, about an hour, along the railway path and back on a grass trail.
- Reedbed trail: a 0.3 mile boardwalk, about 15 minutes.
- Walton Heath trail and Loxton's Marsh trail: 1.1 miles and 0.8 miles, in the quieter parts of the reserve.
Getting there and facilities
Ham Wall is at Ashcott Corner on the minor road between Meare and Ashcott (BA6 9SX), about 4 km west of Glastonbury, which is the nearest town. There is no realistic public transport, so plan to drive or cycle. The RSPB car park has 120 spaces and 5 Blue Badge bays. It is open 5am to 6.30pm from November to January, and later in other months.
Facilities: a welcome building, toilets and a picnic area. The RSPB does not list a cafe. Dogs on leads are allowed on the Ham Wall loop but not on the path to the Avalon Hide, the Reedbed trail, the Walton Heath trail or the Loxton's Marsh trail. Assistance dogs are welcome everywhere.
Entry is free. Parking is free for RSPB members and Blue Badge holders, and £5 for non-members. You do not need to book. Coaches are not allowed from 1 November to the end of February. Fees were checked on 6 October 2026, but check the official RSPB Ham Wall page before you travel.
What to bring
Binoculars are enough for most of Ham Wall, and our binoculars guide covers the options. For the murmuration, bring warm layers and a torch for the walk back. A field guide helps with the egrets and herons: see our field guides round-up.
Nearby places to bird
- WWT Slimbridge: up the M5, for winter swans, geese and ducks.
- RSPB Arne: Dorset heathland and Poole Harbour.
- Winter wildfowl guide: more wetland days out for the cold months.
Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve is directly across the road.
RSPB Ham Wall FAQ
Can you see bitterns at Ham Wall?
Yes. You are most likely to hear them booming in April and May, and most likely to see one in flight in June, when adults are feeding young.
When is the best time to see the starling murmuration at Ham Wall?
From November to February, with December and January the peak. Arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset. The roost site moves around the Avalon Marshes, so check the RSPB Ham Wall page on the day.
Is RSPB Ham Wall free?
Entry is free. The car park costs £5 for non-members and is free for RSPB members and Blue Badge holders. Prices were checked on 6 October 2026.
Where can I find recent sightings for Ham Wall?
Check the RSPB Ham Wall page for official notices, the Somerset Ornithological Society website for county bird news, and the eBird hotspot for same-day checklists.