For Kids
QUICK NOTE FOR THE GROWN-UPS:
Looking for something a bit different than expensive trips to theme parks? The Avalon Marshes is a wonderful area to bring the children and let them enjoy nature and heritage at its best, but please supervise them at all times, particularly around water and in the bird hides. The Nature Reserves are all free to enter* (see note at bottom of page), and you can pick-up more information about the area from the Avalon Marshes Centre.
At Avalon Archaeology, children can get hands on with history and explore archaeological reconstructions dating from prehistory to the early medieval. The site includes a full-sized Saxon longhall, the dining room of a Roman villa (with working hypocaust heating) and a Viking trading ship. Look out for special activity days in the holidays and at weekends.
Fantastic Family Adventures
Hi…. I’m Otto the Otter.
I live here in the Avalon Marshes. I know all the best places to go – and lots of cool things to see and do. They’re ‘otterly’ brilliant! I’ve got Ten Terrific Things for you to tick off, plus the Top Ten Beasties to spot.
Come with me and we’ll ‘ave an Avalon adventure …
Pick up a copy at the Avalon Marshes Centre or download here:
Heritage Hunters
My family have been around here a long time, 6,000 years or more! They have watched people walk across swamps with their bows and arrows, Romans having warm baths and seen strange “pill boxes” in the landscape!
Come with me and become a Heritage Hunter…
Click here to download your Heritage Hunter shee
Missions for budding bioblitzers!
Missions for budding bioblitzers!
Ticked off the ten Beasties and would like to find more? I am going to send you on an i-spy mission: download these sheets and become a bioblitzer; you never know if you are very lucky you may spot me out for a swim!
Click below to download
Mission 1 – Find these super-plants for bees, bugs and butterflies.
Mission 2 – I love colour, can you find any of these colourful butterflies?
Mission 3 – My feathered friends, look out for these beauties.
Mission 4 – Dragons and Damsels, they fly you know!
Mission 5 – I love trees and hedges!
Ever seen an Otter on a bike?
Yes I do cycle! I use the “Bittern Trail” to get from Glastonbury to my nature reserves. Trains used to rumble along here now it is a traffic free cycle route.
The Old Railway Track or “Bittern Trail” is the local cycle route which links the Avalon Marshes Centre to Glastonbury. For a map go to our Maps, Books and Guides page.
Geocaching
Otters love to explore and I am no exception. Why not join me and use a GPS app and try hi-tech treasure hunting across the Avalon Marshes.
Go to our Geocaching page to find out more.
Budding bards
The Marshes is a great place to inspire your creativity. I love this poem by Ellie, aged 10. Why don’t you write me a poem after your visit? It might end up on the website too!
By Ellie (aged 10), Churchfield Church School, Highbridge
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Bob and Bertha the big, brilliant beetles |
An egg taken out of its nest, |
Had loads of fun? Like to do more? Want to learn more?
My mates at the Hawk & Owl Trust, Natural England, the RSPB, Somerset Wildlife Trust and South West Heritage Trust all run events. Take a look at my Events page to find out more.
