Blake’s Pools Nature Reserve

Blake’s Pools is a 4-hectare nature reserve on the banks of the River Yeo. Formerly managed by Avon Wildlife Trust, it has been under the care of the Environment Agency, who also own the site, since 2024.

The reserve includes three pools, both freshwater and brackish, which were created between 1983 and 1987 to encourage wildlife. The largest and deepest pool lies within the Severn Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and is also part of a Special Protection Area and a designated Ramsar site.

In spring 2001, part of the sea wall near the outer pool collapsed, forming a tidal lagoon. Sluice gates were later installed in the two shallower pools to help control water levels, and reeds have been planted around the largest pool to support habitat growth.

More than 100 bird species have been recorded here, particularly wildfowl and waders. At low tide, the mudflats attract species such as jack snipes, redshanks, little grebes, and little egrets, while the two shallower pools are good places to see green and common sandpipers, bar-tailed godwits, and golden plovers, especially during spring and autumn.

In winter, large flocks of ducks and geese arrive to feed, including smews, scaups, common scoters, goosanders, brent geese, and greylag geese. Black-necked and little grebes are sometimes seen, and thousands of dunlins can gather along the coast.
Other birds to watch for include peregrine falcons, barn owls, hobbies, and the occasional corncrake.

The reserve can be accessed from the seawall, but check tide times before visiting. There is a bird hide on site, and bringing a spotting scope is recommended for the best views.

Please note, dogs are not allowed on the reserve.