The Somerset Levels and Moors lie in the heart of the county and have international recognition as one of the most important wetland sites (of their type) in the world. It is a designated Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) and, as well as being home to 13 sites of special scientific interest, covers over 112 square miles.

The coastal marine clay 'Levels', are higher than the inland 'Moors' which have peaty soils as their central feature. These areas are protected from sea flooding by a clay ridge at the coast and water control by pumping (see below). To the North of the Polden Hills, the wetland is supplied by the rivers Axe, Sheppey and Brue, while to the South, the rivers are the Cary, Yeo, Tone and Parrett. Most of the Levels and Moors are no higher than 25 feet above sea level and this, along with numerous public footpaths, bridleways and the River Parrett Trail, makes it ideal for exploring on foot. These routes are detailed on OS Landranger maps 182 and 193.

The landscape of the Levels and Moors is characterised by picturesque towns and villages, withy (willow) beds and orchards. There is also a unique pattern of small fields and ditches (rhynes or 'wet fences') - these were created by previous 'commoners.' This allowed for a balance between the size of the fields and the amount of land lost to ditches for drainage of the area. The ditches carry water to main collection channels and collection pumps take this water into embanked rivers. In summer, each moor has its water 'penned-up' so the ditches stay full to keep stock in the fields. In winter, ditch water levels are reduced to assist drainage.

Wildlife is abundant in the Levels and Moors and it is especially rich in migrating birds, such as Lapwings and breeding waders. There are also otters, dragonflies, damselflies, crickets, grasshoppers, water beetles, over twenty species of butterflies and many wild flower meadows. It is also rich in archaelogical remains - many of which have been preserved in the peat - the oldest of which is the Sweet Track, constructed in 3800BC.

The River Parrett Trail
This beautiful, environmentally-friendly trail is approximately 50 miles long - it follows the river from source to mouth - and, if you take time to enjoy the local countryside, provides a comfortable walk of up to 4 days. With other trails and paths, the River Parrett Trail can easily become part of a longer walking holiday and there are plenty of places to stay en-route in local villages and hamlets. For the less active, there are a series of shorter walks enabling the visitor to explore the countryside. The Trail passes through one of Britain's most ecologically sensitive areas, the Somerset Levels and Moors and has been created so people can enjoy the unique landscape without creating 'pressure' on the area. Some of the exciting spectacles include, Europe's largest Iron Age fort at Ham Hill, and Burrow Mump and Athelney where King Alfred took refuge from the Vikings and reputedly burnt the cakes. For more details, log on to www.riverparrett-trail.org.uk

There are plenty of other exciting places to visit in the Levels and Moors and these include:

The Willows and Wetlands Visitor Centre (01823 490249) - Home to a 175-year old traditional willow growing and basket-making industry.

The Tribunal: Glastonbury Lake Village Museum ( 01458 832954) - A medieval merchant's house in Glastonbury centre.

The Peat Moors Centre (01458 860697) - A chance to walk through history to see an 'ancient landscape' and the wildlife of the Avalon Marshes.

Langport and River Parrett Visitor Centre (01458 250350) - The gateway to the South Somerset Moors with walking route leaflets and local guidebooks.