Shapwick Moor facts for kids

Looking east along Shapwick Moor Rhyne

Shapwick Moor is a special area of farmland in Somerset, England. It covers about 138 acres (which is about 0.56 square kilometers). This land is part of the famous Somerset Levels, a low-lying area known for its wetlands and wildlife. Shapwick Moor sits right next to other important nature spots like Shapwick Heath and Cattcot Heath.

What is Shapwick Moor?

Shapwick Moor is more than just farmland; it's a key part of a big nature project called the Brue Valley Living Landscape. This project started in 2009. Its main goal is to bring back and connect different natural areas. This helps wildlife thrive and survive, even with challenges like climate change. The project also makes sure that farmers can still use their land in a way that helps nature. It's a great example of how people are working to protect large areas for wildlife across the UK.

Protecting Nature

The Hawk and Owl Trust, a group dedicated to protecting birds of prey, bought Shapwick Moor. This was their very first nature reserve in the southwest of England. Their plan is to farm the land using old, traditional methods. This helps to bring back the types of habitats that used to be common there.

How the Reserve is Managed

The way Shapwick Moor is managed is guided by Natural England, a government group that looks after nature. The first steps to create this new nature reserve included replanting the land with special seeds. After that, they brought in Devon ruby red cattle. These cows help to graze the land in a natural way, which is good for the plants and animals.

The main focus at Shapwick Moor is to help wildlife. It's not really set up for lots of human visitors. There won't be a visitor center or any permanent buildings. However, there is a public footpath that crosses the area. This path will be made better, and special hides (small shelters for watching birds) will be built along it. These hides will be in good spots for seeing the amazing birds and other animals.

Amazing Birds of Shapwick Moor

Shapwick Moor is a fantastic place for birds! Many different kinds of birds have been seen living or visiting there. Some of the cool birds you might spot include:

• Buzzards, which are large birds of prey often seen soaring high.
• Sparrowhawks, fast hunters that chase smaller birds.
• Kestrels, which can hover in the air while looking for food.
• Hobbies, quick and agile birds that hunt insects and small birds.
• Red kites, with their distinctive V-shaped tails.
• Barn owls, beautiful owls that hunt at night.
• Lapwings, known for their crests and "peewit" call.
• Pheasants, colorful game birds.
• Cuckoos, famous for laying their eggs in other birds' nests.
• Different types of woodpeckers, which peck at trees.
• Skylarks, known for their beautiful songs sung while flying high.