Exciting plans are underway to further protect the historic Somerset Levels and Moors, with a new wetland project set to improve water quality and create even more space for wildlife.
What’s happening?
Wessex Water has unveiled multi-million pound plans to create new wetland habitats on more than 25 hectares of land within the Somerset Levels and Moors, next door to our Shapwick Moor Nature Reserve, between Bridgwater and Glastonbury.
The two-part site would see the creation of an integrated constructed wetland and a new grassland site, with the ambition for this land to become a haven for wildlife under the stewardship of the Hawk and Owl Trust within the Somerset Wetlands National Nature Reserve.
What is an Integrated Constructed Wetland?
This natural water treatment system will use wetland plants to filter and clean river water before it reaches local rivers and streams. By reducing harmful nutrients - which can come from agricultural fertilisers, farm slurries, septic tank discharges and domestic wastewater – the project will help protect the delicate balance of the Somerset Levels, a landscape rich in birdlife and biodiversity.
Unlike constructed wetlands, Integrated Constructed Wetlands are designed to also integrate into the surrounding environment and can provide added benefits such as regulating water flow and enhancing biodiversity, wildlife habitats and space for recreation.
Where does the Hawk and Owl Trust fit into all of this?
Working in partnership with Wessex Water, the Hawk and Owl Trust has been involved in this project for several years, helping to shape plans that will benefit nature and people alike.
As the closest neighbours, Hawk and Owl Trust land will be used to provide construction access.
We are also in discussions with Wessex Water about a long-term lease to incorporate the wetland and grassland into our nature reserve once the project is complete.
What does it mean for our conservation work?
At Shapwick Moor, we already carry out extensive monitoring of water quality and biodiversity, helping us understand how changes in the environment affect local wildlife. This new wetland will allow us to expand our work, collecting even more valuable data on how natural solutions can improve water health and support species like otters, dragonflies, and wetland birds.
What does it mean for visitors to Shapwick Moor?
This project will also provide an opportunity to improve visitor facilities at Shapwick. While plans are still in development, we hope to introduce new bird and badger hides, as well as an outdoor amphitheatre for educational activities. These additions will enhance the experience for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and local school groups, offering more ways to connect with the stunning wildlife of the Somerset Levels.
What’s next?
The project is currently awaiting planning approval from Somerset Council. If permission is granted, construction is expected to begin in summer 2026 and take around six months to complete. We will continue working closely with Wessex Water and other partners to ensure this wetland not only improves water quality but also benefits the local ecosystem and our visitors.
This is a fantastic example of how conservation and responsible land management can work together to protect and enhance our natural landscapes.
We look forward to sharing more updates on our website and our Facebook and Instagram pages as the project progresses.
For more information, visit: www.wessexwater.co.uk/somerset-wetland
Victoria Chamberlin plays a key role in inspiring the next generation of nature lovers through education and public engagement at our Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve in Fakenham, North Norfolk. From leading school visits and outreach sessions to organising events that connect people with wildlife, her work helps make nature accessible to all. We sat down with Victoria to learn more about her journey, her role, and what she finds most rewarding about working in conservation.
Q. How did your journey with the Hawk and Owl Trust begin?
A. My background is actually in teaching – I trained as a primary school teacher and then moved into museums education, working in London and Norfolk for several years. After having children, I took some time out and found myself drawn to wildlife, particularly through birdwatching in my own garden. That led me to start volunteering with the RSPB, running school outreach sessions and helping with public engagement. I absolutely loved it, and when the role at the Hawk and Owl Trust came up, it was the perfect fit! I've now been here for over three years, and I still love what I do.
Q. What does your role involve?
A. My work is all about connecting children and families with nature. A big part of my role is developing and delivering our schools programme, which includes on-site workshops at Sculthorpe Moor and outreach sessions where we visit schools. Our workshops are designed to support the Key Stage 1 and 2 science curriculum, covering topics like habitats, food chains, and bird adaptations, and I work closely with teachers to ensure they are relevant, engaging, and accessible. Teachers love that our sessions bring learning to life in a hands-on way – whether it’s pond dipping, birdwatching, or exploring the reserve’s different ecosystems.
The other side of my role is organising events at the reserve. Along with my colleague Libby, I organise events for visitors of all ages, from guided walks and wildlife talks for our regular supporters to nature trails, activity days, and wildlife experiences that give children and parents the chance to explore the outdoors together. Our Discovery Days in the summer are always a highlight, and with Easter coming up, we have lots of fun activities planned for the school holidays! A big part of my job is showing people that nature reserves aren’t just for expert birders – everyone is welcome, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Q. What does a typical day look like for you?
A.Every day is different! If I’m working with schools, I might be leading a pond-dipping session, running a workshop on birds of prey, or delivering an assembly. On the events side, I could be planning upcoming activities, creating educational resources, or setting up for one of our big Discovery Days. I also spend time on outreach, visiting schools that might not otherwise get the chance to experience nature first-hand.
Q. What do you enjoy most about working in conservation?
A. I love seeing people – especially children – light up when they connect with nature. One of my favourite moments was hearing from a family who said their visit to Sculthorpe Moor was the highlight of their summer. Moments like that remind me why we do what we do. I also love working with schools that might not normally have access to outdoor learning. Nature can be transformative, and I feel very lucky to play a role in making that happen.
Q: What’s coming up for you in 2025?
A. We’re continuing to expand our education programme, and we have a busy summer term ahead with lots of schools coming to do activities at the reserve.
We also have a packed calendar of public events for the year. For families, we have a fantastic programme lined up, including Easter holiday activities in April, our ever-popular pond dipping sessions, and new nature trails to explore. Our updated activity calendar is out now, so families can start planning their visits!
Q. Do you have a favourite wildlife species?
A. It has to be the Barn Owl. They have this incredible ghostly presence when they glide over the reserve at dusk. I also have a soft spot for Red Kites – not just because they’re beautiful birds, but because their comeback story is such a great example of conservation in action. It’s a reminder that we can make a difference.
Q. What would you say to teachers or families thinking about visiting?
A. Just come and experience it! Teachers will see first-hand how engaged their pupils are in an outdoor learning environment, and parents will love watching their children discover the natural world. Whether you’re visiting as a school group or a family, there’s something here for everyone.
If Victoria’s work has inspired you, why not visit Sculthorpe Moor and experience the reserve for yourself? With British springtime now in full swing, now is the perfect time to plan your visit.
To explore our upcoming events, visit: https://members.hawkandowltrust.org/Event-Search
For further information on our activities for schools, visit: https://sculthorpe.hawkandowltrust.org/information/education
Our followers will have noticed—no eggs yet this season. But there’s been an intriguing development…
We’re pretty certain we have a new falcon in town! She likely arrived in late January or early February and has been showing some very different behaviour around the church and nest box. One standout habit? Perching on the patio edge alongside the tiercel—something we haven’t seen before.
She’s also a neater-looking bird. At first glance, we even mistook her for the tiercel! But unlike last year’s falcon, she lacks the distinctive crown markings and has a slightly smaller frame with a paler, less mottled bib.
That said… things aren’t entirely straightforward. The previous falcon has also been spotted around the church—and even at the nest. 🤔
Lots of activity, but no eggs just yet. We’ll be keeping a close watch and sharing updates as the season unfolds!
This is the falcon from last year; pl note the distinctive white spot just to the left side of the crown:
…..and this is what we are calling the ‘new’ falcon for this year; definitely a different bird…..
Initially we thought this falcon was in fact the tiercel, but his distinctive white spots above the eyes were absent, and he is still in evidence; this shot from 19 Mar; hence why we have said we had a new falcon.
Celebrating a fantastic Norwich Science Festival 2025 with the Hawk and Owl Trust
The Norwich Science Festival 2025 has come to a close, and what an incredible experience it was! As proud participants, we at the Hawk and Owl Trust were thrilled to engage with so many enthusiastic visitors, sharing our passion for wildlife conservation and inspiring the next generation of nature lovers.
Over the course of two exciting days (Monday 17 February and Wednesday 19 February) our stand in the Festival’s Explorium welcomed families, school groups, and curious individuals eager to learn about the fascinating world of birds of prey and conservation efforts in their local area.
A Hands-On Wildlife Experience
Our interactive activities were a huge hit amongst children and families getting creative making bird of prey masks, while our food chain activity sparked meaningful discussions about the delicate balance of nature. These hands-on experiences proved to be an engaging way for young minds to connect with wildlife and conservation in a fun and educational setting.
Visitors were also captivated by our stunning taxidermy display, which showcased birds such as Kestrels, Hobbies, and Tawny Owls, donated to the Trust a number of years ago. Seeing these magnificent creatures up close offered a unique opportunity to learn more about their habitats, behaviours, and the conservation efforts needed to protect them.
Bringing Wildlife to Life
One of the highlights of our stand was the footage from the Hawk and Owl Trust’s renowned Peregrine Project at Norwich Cathedral. Attendees were able to witness breathtaking moments from the nesting Peregrine Falcons, gaining an intimate look at their daily activities. Many visitors were fascinated to learn about the project's role in monitoring and supporting these incredible birds, ensuring their continued success in urban environments.
Another crowd favourite was the footage from our Beavers and Biodiversity Gain Initiative at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve. Watching a family of beavers thriving in their newly created wetland habitat helped to demonstrate the positive impact of conservation efforts on entire ecosystems.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Throughout the event, our team, including Education Officer Victoria Chamberlin and Outreach and Conservation Ranger Liberty Wells, had the pleasure of answering countless questions and hearing wonderful stories from attendees about their own experiences with nature. Engaging with young wildlife enthusiasts and fostering their curiosity was one of the most rewarding aspects of our participation.
If you missed us at the Norwich Science Festival, don’t worry! You can always visit us at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve or explore our Peregrine Project online to stay connected with our work. We look forward to seeing you at future events and continuing our mission to protect and celebrate Britain’s incredible wildlife.
We recently celebrated Liberty’s first anniversary with the Hawk and Owl Trust, where she plays a key role in a variety of projects. From hands-on reserve management at our Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve in Fakenham, to running school workshops and leading the popular Peregrine Project in Norwich, Liberty’s work is as diverse as it is impactful. We sat down with her to learn more about her journey into conservation, her day-to-day role, and what inspires her most about working with wildlife.
Q. How did your journey with the Hawk and Owl Trust begin?
A. Growing up in rural Norfolk, I was always surrounded by nature – beaches, woodlands, and wildlife have always been a part of my life. That connection to the environment, along with two inspiring A-Level Geography teachers, led me to study for a BSc Combined STEM degree through the Open University, focusing mainly on environmental science. I completed my degree part-time over six years while gaining hands-on experience by volunteering – including at Sculthorpe Moor, one day a week, the summer before I started working for the Trust full-time. I’d done other voluntary roles before, but this one just felt right. When a job came up, it felt like everything fell into place. A year on, I’m still learning something new every day!
Q. What does your role involve?
A. My title is Outreach and Conservation Ranger, which means I do a bit of everything! I work with the outdoor team - Dave, Jake, and our volunteers - on conservation projects, habitat management, and reserve maintenance. I’m also part of the education and outreach team, working with Victoria, our Education and Activities Officer, to organise school visits, public engagement events, and educational outreach in schools. A highlight of my role is leading the Peregrine Project at Norwich Cathedral, where we introduce thousands of visitors to the nesting Peregrines each spring.
Q. What does a typical day look like for you?
A. Every day is different! On the education and outreach side, I spend time planning and running school visits, leading activities like pond dipping and wildlife walks. When working with the outdoor team, it’s hands-on habitat management – right now, we’re cutting reed beds and maintaining boardwalks in preparation for the next season. There’s always something happening.
Q. What do you enjoy most about working in conservation?
A. I love working with school groups and seeing how excited children get about nature. You can really tell when you’ve inspired them, especially during activities like pond dipping. The Peregrine Project is another highlight – we spoke to about 5,000 people last year, and it’s great seeing familiar faces coming back year after year. It’s also incredibly rewarding to see the impact of our work, like when the Marsh Harriers returned to nest after we cleared the reed beds. Knowing your work is making a real difference is an amazing feeling.
There’s a lot more to conservation than people realise. Every decision has an impact on something else. Over the past year, I’ve learned how broad the field is and how many specialisms exist. I’m lucky to experience a bit of everything in my role.
Q: What’s coming up for you in 2025?
A. We’re continuing with reed bed management and gearing up for the Peregrine Project, which starts in April. I’ll be down at Norwich Cathedral with a group of volunteers, scopes and a live camera to help visitors get a glimpse of the nesting Peregrines. Summer will be packed with school visits and family discovery days, so there’s plenty to look forward to!
Q. Do you have a favourite wildlife species?
A. Peregrines are incredible - being the fastest animal in the world is pretty impressive! It’s fantastic to have them nesting locally and to watch them via the live cameras. I also love Tawny Owls; we have a pair on the reserve, and they’re fascinating to watch, especially at night.
Q. What advice would you give to someone interested in conservation?
A. If you’re interested, get involved however you can - visit reserves, donate, or volunteer. Volunteering is the best way to gain experience, meet people, and see if conservation is the right path for you. It’s also a great way to spend time outdoors doing something positive.
If Liberty’s passion for conservation has sparked your interest, there are plenty of ways to get involved with the Hawk and Owl Trust. Visit one of our local Norfolk or Somerset reserves to experience the beauty of nature firsthand, support our work as a member, or take the next step by volunteering with us.
We’ll soon be looking for volunteers to join Liberty at the Norwich Cathedral Peregrines from the end of April. Register your interest via our contact form: https://hawkandowltrust.org/about-us-and-contact/contact-us.
For more information, or to discover other volunteer roles, visit: https://hawkandowltrust.org/about-us-and-contact/volunteering.
