Bridgwater Bay
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Bridgwater Bay near the mouth of the River Parrett

Bridgwater Bay is on the Bristol Channel, near Bridgwater in Somerset, England at the mouth of the River Parrett. Several of the man-made drainage ditches from the Somerset Levels, including the "Pawlett Hams", also drain into the bay.

Tidal mudflats at Combwich, near the mouth of the River Parrett on Bridgwater Bay

At low tide extensive areas of mudflats (the Steart and the Berrow Flats) are exposed, providing important feeding and over-wintering grounds for waders (shorebirds). Consequently Bridgwater Bay is a National Nature Reserve, and is managed by Natural England.^[1]

Avocets have become regular autumn and winter visitors to the area in recent years, favouring the lower reaches of the River Parrett.

Mud danger signs on Bridgwater Bay near the mouth of the River Parrett are necessary because fast, high-amplitude tides here have led to drownings on the extensive mud flats.

Rare vagrant species spotted in the area include Wilson's Phalarope, Lesser Yellowlegs, White-rumped Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Montagu's Harrier (in spring), Ortolan Bunting and Richard's Pipit (in autumn).

The mud flats are, however, potentially dangerous and it is not uncommon for the emergency services to mount rescue operations. Following the death of Lelaina Hall off Berrow in 2002, a local fund raising campaign succeeded in purchasing a Swedish built BBV6 rescue hovercraft. The hovercraft is operated by BARB in Burnham on Sea.

References

External links

• Burnham Rescue Hovercraft Web site
• Hovercraft campaign

Coordinates: 51°13′N 3°17′W / 51.217, -3.283