Hopefully everyone enjoyed the magnificent Somerset Cranes on Winterwatch last night and you are probably now thinking about you can see this fantastic sight for yourself. So we’ve put together a quick FAQ guide to hopefully answer any questions you might have.
How can I visit RSPB West Sedgemoor?
RSPB West Sedgemoor is a closed reserve and is only accessible by guided walk or alternatively, there is an excellent network of footpaths west of Curry Rivel that provide superb views over the reserve. Park at nearby RSPB Swell Wood (TA3 6PX) to access these footpaths. An OS map is useful for finding your way around.
More information here: https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/west-sedgemoor
Visiting RSPB Swell Wood: https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/swell-wood
How can I book on to a guided walk at RSPB West Sedgemoor?
Unfortunately all of our winter walks are fully booked now. We will have more walks next winter. Follow @RSPBSomerset on Twitter for information about West Sedgemoor or RSPB Ham Wall on Facebook for a full list of all RSPB events in Somerset.
How else can I see the Somerset cranes?
The cranes are very mobile and not predictable at any single location – so coming to see them is very much a gamble. We recommend visiting the Great Crane Project for more detailed information on the project, one of the great successes in Somerset. The sightings page is particularly helpful and is updated by members of the public and the monitoring team. Try parking at the National Trust Burrow Mump car park just outside of Burrowbridge and taking a walk up to the mump. You might get a flyby from the cranes particularly at dusk when they return to their roost sites.
The cranes also visit our RSPB Greylake Reserve (TA7 9BP) on the A361 road between Taunton and Glastonbury. Greylake is great in the winter for seeing flocks of ducks and waders close to the hides which may be spooked up by a passing bird of prey.
Great Crane Project Link: http://www.thegreatcraneproject.org.uk/
Visiting RSPB Greylake: https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/greylake
When is the best time to see the cranes?
Cranes are easiest to see between October and March. During the breeding season they keep a low profile while incubating and raising their young.
I would like some more information about the Great Crane Project – where can I look?
Visit the Great Crane Project link: http://www.thegreatcraneproject.org.uk/ for information about the project, crane sightings, and information about the individual cranes. Follow The Great Crane Project on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with any news on the project.