Explore ancient woodland trails teeming with Grey Herons, woodpeckers, and Nuthatches in South-West England's largest breeding Heron colony.

RSPB Swell Wood is an ancient woodland reserve featuring a unique mix of native woodland and a century-old oak plantation. The reserve is renowned as home to the largest colony of breeding Grey Herons in South-West England, with over 100 pairs nesting in the tall oaks between March and June. Visitors can experience the remarkable sight and sound of these impressive birds, along with Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Little Egrets, and other woodland species. The reserve offers three distinct wildlife trails that wind through woodland, wildflower meadows, and past the spectacular treetop Heronry Hide. The Woodland Trail (0.75 miles) is partially accessible with a level, smooth section leading to the hide and picnic area, making it suitable for families with pushchairs and wheelchairs. The trails showcase the reserve's fantastic spring ground flora, including Bluebells and Dog's Mercury, alongside elusive residents like Hazel Dormice and various bat species that inhabit the old trees. With its accessible parking facilities, picnic areas, and immersive wildlife viewing opportunities, Swell Wood is ideal for families and nature enthusiasts of all ages wanting to observe woodland birds and experience the natural beauty of the Somerset Levels ridge.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Rose Harris

a year ago

the actual long walk was closed off but we sat in the bird hide and it was lovely

K

K T

2 years ago

Several different walks all clearly marked. Definitely worth a wander round.

A

Andy Falconbridge

4 years ago

Lovely small wood with lots to see. Good access including wheelchair route. Particularly liked the heronry hide. Can get a bit busy, choose your time to visit well

M

Mark Cox

5 years ago

Part of it was closed due to covid, that part and another part is wheel chair friendly and has a good view of the country side. Did not walk the main route on our visit but the way we did go was nice woodland. We encountered a big decline towards the end of the more rugged part and the path lead to a road, so we turned back.

J

Julian Raithby

7 years ago

Great place to relax. There's a short walk which dogs are not allowed on, and another that's dog friendly but very very steep with hundreds of steps. Free car park but donations welcome.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026