West Sedgemoor

Infobox SSSI


name=West Sedgemoor
aos=Somerset
interest=Biological
gridref=gbmappingsmall|ST361258
area=1016.0 hectare (2510.0 acre)
notifydate=1983

http://www.natureonthemap.org.uk/map.aspx?
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West Sedgemoor (gbmapping|ST361258) is a 1016.0 hectare (2510.0 acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest forms part of the Somerset Levels and Moors in Somerset, notified in 1983.

The site, part of which is a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds reserve, comprises numerous small, low lying fields and meadows separated by narrow water-filled rhynes and ditches. A rich invertebrate fauna is present including scarce water beetles, dragonflies and bugs. The site also supports good populations of waterfowl, especially waders.Breeding birds include Snipe, Lapwing, Redshank, Curlew, Water Rail, Yellow Wagtail and Whinchat. [cite web | title=West Sedgemoor | work=English Nature | url=http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1004511.pdf | accessdate=2006-08-22]

Swell Wood, an ancient deciduous wood on the southern edge of the reserve, has one of the UK's largest heronries, which is best visited between March and June. [cite web | title=West Sedgemoor | work=RSPB Reserves | url=http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/w/westsedgemoor/ | accessdate=2006-08-22]

References