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Porlock

Somerset  >  United Kingdom

Porlock is in Northwest Somerset, the site includes Porlock Weir, Porlock Marsh and Hurlstone Point.

Added* by Baz Willmott
Most recent update 23 október 2021

Description

The area runs from Porlock Weir in the West to Hurlstone Point (sometimes called Bossington Point) in the East, between the two runs a long shingle ridge partially protecting an extensive salt marsh. Porlock Weir is a seawatching point, once more famously known as a Salmon and Oyster fishery, today is more of a holiday destination.

Porlock Beach/Bossington Beach shingle ridge (formed 8000 years ago) one time protected an extensive freshwater grazing meadow. During the major storm of October 1996, caused by the 'tail end' of hurricane Lili, a large breach of the ridge caused major ingress of salt water, leaving the marsh today to turn into saltmarsh. The beach and saltmarsh are constantly changing by each high tide mainly due to the extremely strong offshore currents. The ingress of salt water has changed the geography of the area, with the loss of a reedbed and many trees (some still standing as 'skeletons') along with some bird species.

Hurlstone Point is known as a better seawatching point than Porlock Weir. You can expect a good selection of land/seabird and wader species, in the near past Fjallalævirki, Snjótittlingur and Grásvarri have been seen. More regular are Lómur, Glitbrúsi, Himbrimi, Skrofa, Haftyrðill, Langvía, Álka, Flatnefur, Fjöruspói, Tjaldur, Stelkur and Brandönd amongst many others.

Details

Access

The A39 runs East to West through the town of Porlock, for Porlock Weir (car park - fee payable) turn Right onto the B3225 just after the town of Porlock, for Bossington Hamlet (car park - fee payable) turn Right onto Old Lane just before the town of Porlock, this road soon becomes Bossington Lane that takes you to the car park in Bossington.

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , River , Sea , City/village , Agriculture , Mud flats , Beach , Wetland

Conditions

Flat , Wet , Slippery , High water possible , Open landscape , Hilly

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter , Spring , Autumn , Autumn migration , Spring migration , Summer

Route

Narrow trail , Unpaved road , Wide path , Paved road

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

WARNING due to the frequent dynamic evolving beach and saltmarsh and high tide, it may not be possible to walk the full length of the beach (CHECK HIGH TIDE TIMES). There are paths and boardwalks across the saltmarsh to take as shortcuts and for seawatching points PRESS STARS ON MAP FOR INFORMATION.

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

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