The display is sponsored by the Town Council and a number of local businesses and is free to the public, with a charity collection by the Rotary Club for Local Charities as part of the Carnival Events fund raising effort. The 2011 event was launched by the Town Mayor.

The date for the 2012 event in Sunday 4th November.

Check the date at ww.burnham-on-sea.com

The Bridgwater Carnival ends with the unique Bridgwater Squibbing - The ‘Bridgwater Squib’ is a giant firework originally made in homes throughout the town but now produced to a secret formula by leading firework manufacturers, especially for Bridgwater Carnival. They are strapped to a cosh (a solid block of wood which is attached to a large pole). The Squibber holds the squib at arms length above their head with the firework facing toward the sky. In the region of 150 “Squibbers” are involved, typically members of the Carnival clubs. The Squibbers line Bridgwater High Street (in a line of two wide) and all light their squibs at the same time. The effect is bright light being fired into the air along the road in one great long trail of fire. - Information from the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Website

Carnival takes place in various towns across Somerset each year, commencing with Bridgwater Carnival historically held on the Friday after the nearest Thursday to the 5th November – (from 2012 on the first Saturday of November for 3 year trial). The Burnham-on-Sea Carnival held on the following Monday is always preceded on the Sunday evening by a fireworks display on the beach. The Carnivals raise money for many local charities to benefit local people.

Part of the Blue Anchor-Lilstock Coast SSSI

Parking at the Kilve Beach Car Park is Pay and Display £1.50 for 2 hrs or £2.50 per day (at time of review). Toilets available near car park and beach.

Shale Oil Retort

Beach Approach

Beach Rock Formation

Cliff Strata

Local Wildlife

Rock Pavement

Rocks

Beach Formations

Ammonite Fossil In Situ

Entrance to The Chantry Tea Garden

In The Chantry Tea Garden

Cream Tea

Directions: Travel to Bridgwater and take the A39 towards Minehead. Travel past Cannington and Nether Stowey and continue for 4 miles to Kilve. Turn right at the cross roads in the centre of the village beside the Kilve Stores, into Sea Lane continue for 1 mile to the car park.

From the car park follow the remainder of Sea Lane and track to beach, passing the remains of a 1924 Shaline Co. shale-oil experimental plant, used to remove oil from the oil bearing shale in the cliffs – part of the Somerset oil boom that never was!. Also within the wooded area, the remains of a lime kiln from when Kilve was a very small port or ‘Kilve Pill’. Low quality coal was imported here for use in the lime burning process to make fertiliser.

Kilve Beach is Somerset’s answer to the ‘Jurassic Coast’. It is NOT a place for sand castles but IS an area for rock pools, when the tide goes out, to find sea anemones, crabs, limpets and many other rocky shore flora and fauna. The shoreline has been created by the geological folding that created the Quantock Hills, which has resulted in the formation of natural pavements of rock that look man made, uncovered by sea and wind. The rock layers that created the beach formations can be seen within the cliff face with the layers of soft blue lias and shale between. This is also the soft layer, originally mud, within which can be found fossils of Ammonites (snail shell-like) and the large sea dinosaur-Ichthyosaur. As the site is an SSSI, fossil hunting is NOT permitted in the cliffs and rocks but you may see fossils in the boulders on the beach. Keep away from the base of the cliffs and cliff edges

There are plenty of benches to sit and it is a great place for a picnic. The site is on the West Somerset Coast Path and there is also a circular walk to East Quantoxhead 4km (2.7miles).

Just south of the car park are the remains of a medieval chantry, which just happens to border the Chantry Tea Garden, which provides refreshments, lunches, snacks and of course and well recommended – its version of the Somerset Cream Tea, all served in the large garden.

Willows & Wetlands Centre with Wicker Cup & Saucer

Willow Withy Beds

Woodland

Courtyard Tea Room

Willow Creatures

Furniture Gallery Museum

Childrens' Area

Governess Cart with Umbrella Holder

Bath Chairs

Willow Furniture

Wicker Beehive Skeps

Mail Delivery Cart

Most of the Visitor Centre is accessible but some of the gallery and museum is upstairs. Entry to the Centre is free of charge, guided tours of the Basket Works are £3.00 per person

Opening Times: Mon-Sat 09:30-17:00 Tea Room 10:30-16:30. Check for opening over Christmas and New Year Tel: 01823 490249 email: info@englishwillowbaskets.co.uk

Directions: Take the B3151 from Wedmore towards Glastonbury. At Westhay turn right for Shapwick and continue beyond Shapwick village until reaching the A39. Turn left and then take the next right – Pedwell Hill by The Albion Inn, signposted for Langport. Continue downhill to the A361, then turn right. Continue on the A361 through Othery and round Burrow Mump. At Burrowbridge turn left at the traffic lights signposted for the Centre and follow the rosette signs. After 0.2mile turn right and follow road for 2 miles to T junction and turn right. Travel about 0.4 miles Willows and Wetland Centre is on right – look for the willow cup and saucer above the gateway.

The Willows and Wetlands Centre contains an exhibition of willow, how it is grown on the Somerset Levels and its production and use for basket making, including a video display. A museum of historical uses of willow baskets, including the Bath Chair – forerunner of the mobility scooter, GPO Post delivery carts and delivery baskets used by bakers, bicycle delivery baskets and market porters baskets and some unusual uses.  Exhibits also show how the willow withies are grown and prepared for use. There is also a shop and gallery of new willow furniture and other items such as log baskets and shopping baskets.

A short walk can be taken to see the withy beds and a further, more strenuous circular walk, can be taken along the River Tone. Guided tours of the adjacent Willow Basket Works are available Mon-Fri at 11:00 and 14:30 lasting about 1 hr at a cost of £3.00 per person.

The Courtyard Tea Room provides refreshments and light lunches and homemade cakes, with seating inside in the flagstone tea room or outside in the landscaped courtyard.

Location: Greylake between Greinton and Othery OS: ST 39996 34628     13 miles

Greylake RSPB Nature Reserve

Braille Sign

Sound Box of Bird Sounds

Picnic Area

Boardwalk

The Lake

Reed Beds and Lake

Approach to Hide

The Hide Entrance

Inside the Hide

Swans Walking the Boardwalk

Swan Swimming

Busy Wasp Nest

How to get there: Take the B3151 from Wedmore towards Glastonbury. At Westhay turn right for Shapwick and continue beyond Shapwick village until reaching the A39. Turn left and then take the next right – Pedwell Hill by The Albion Inn, signposted for Langport. Continue downhill to the A361 and then turn right. Continue for 2.5 miles, The Reserve and car park are on the right.

Recommended for wheelchair accessibility: The main reserve circular path and hide access is fully boardwalk wheelchair accessible. At the start of the Boardwalk Trail is a sound box of bird sounds of the Reserve with commentary by local school children. Seats are available around the Boardwalk Trail.

Greylake is a smaller reserve with one hide reached by following a circular, fully accessible, boardwalk Trail of 700m (760yds) which takes you to the far end of the reserve, where the hide gives viewing over lake, reed bed and wet grassland pasture. A separate grass reed bed trail can be followed but is likely to be muddy at times of wet weather.

This is a possible location to see the recently re-introduced Common Crane (pop increased to 33 birds in 2011), as well as Little Grebe, the rare Spotted Crake, as well as Lapwing, Skylark, Snipe, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Heron and Little Egret. Also Kingfisher, Warbler and Bunting in the reedbeds. Stoat, Hare, Toad and Grass Snake have been seen on the boadwalk as well as Damsel Flies and Dragonflies.

Location: On A361 south of Othery OS ST 36049 30576       17 miles
Free parking. The Burrow Mump hill is NOT accessible for wheelchairs.

Burrow Mump

Burrow Mump

St Michael's Church on the Summit of Burrow Mump

The Ruin

Close Up of St Michael's Church

Ruin of St Michael's Church

Ruin Interior

Church Sheep

View from Church Window

View from the Summit of Burrow Mump

How to get there: Take the B3151 from Wedmore towards Glastonbury. At Westhay turn right for Shapwick and continue beyond Shapwick village until reaching the A39. Turn left and then take the next right – Pedwell Hill beside The Albion Inn, signposted for Langport. Continue downhill to the A361 and then turn right. Continue on the A361 through Othery and from the centre of Othery travel about 1.5 miles. The car park is on the right hand bend at the end of the straight road.

Burrow Mump is a natural circular hill, typical of the Somerset Levels. On the summit is the ruin of St Michael’s Church and it is thought the hill was used in roman times and subsequently, had a Norman Keep with a spiral footway climbing the hill. The church was built in the 15th Century and later used as a sanctuary for Royalist soldiers during the Civil War. It was later rebuilt but due to lack of funds was never completed. Another church was built at the foot of the Mump at Burrowbridge to avoid the climb up the hill.

The climb is 24m (79ft) height and is a steep climb up the grass sides of the hill. No easy access except for the sheep that are used to graze the hill and can often be found sheltering against the walls of the ruin. It is not possible to enter the ruin because of safety considerations but the remains inside and out can be seen from all around. The summit provides excellent views in all directions across the Somerset Levels to the Polden Hills, the Blackdown Hills, the Quantock hills and Exmoor beyond.

OS: ST 31768 25422 Post Code: TA3 6NP     22 miles

Wheelchair accessible. Families Welcome – baby seats available. Free Parking.

North Curry Community Coffee Shop

Coffee Shop showing Outdoor Seating Area

Coffee Shop Interior

Stained Glass Tea & Coffee Window

Cream Tea

North Curry is the location of The Coffee Shop, which is operated as a Community Project and Resource, staffed by about 70 volunteers, who give their time to earn donation money pro rata from the profits, for their own nominated charity. It is located in the Town Farm Barn, which was purchased and refurbished by North Curry Parish Council. Since 2006, when it was opened, The Coffee Shop has given over £32,000 to charities based on hours donated. The site was refurbished by the Parish Council and is part occupied by The Coffee Shop, with free parking, It has 3 tables inside and outdoor seating for use in fine weather.

The Coffee Shop is a focal-point resource for the residents of North Curry and open to all. It provides a very warm welcome, with a range of best quality homemade cakes and soups as specialities, all provided by volunteers. There is also a range of snacks and a daily special, jacket potatoes and toasted sandwiches are also available. On our visit we had their excellent cream tea, made up of one warm home-made scone, jam and cream, all for £1.30; whilst a scone with butter and jam was £1.00. Freshly made coffee and tea, drinks and soft drinks are available. The Coffee Shop also sells a range of local craft items and has an ever-changing exhibition of visual arts. A second-hand book stall including children’s books; as well as having the Village Archive upstairs. Remember all profits go to the volunteers’ chosen charities. Well worth a visit!

The Coffee Shop is open: Tuesdays to Sundays 10am -5 pm, Christmas Closing usually the week between Christmas and New Year (dates vary) Tel: 01823 491414

What about the breed, well to quote the words of the Mangledwurzels Song:

We’ve got our Shepton Sheep, special Shepton Sheep, you’ll see ‘em on our merry roundabout.
They don’t need grass or hay,
can’t chase them away.
You’ll be surprised to see ‘em that’s no doubt.
Our Shepton Sheep, our Shepton Sheep  (Seth Pitt – The Mangledwurzels)

Mysterious Sheep Portal

Sheep at Home

Jaffa

Sheep Country Dancing

Ring of Sheep

Bobbie

Shepton Ram

Black Sheep of the Flock

Location: If you want to see them…
How do you find them, well again quoting the Mangledwurzels Song:

Driving the A361 you’ll see ‘em, it doesn’t matter at what time o’ day.
They’re always standing keen, a’ surveying of the scene,
and tha’ cardboard wolf won’t chase them away.  (Seth Pitt – The Mangledwurzels)

Home of the Shepton Sheep Rock Flock:
Cannards Grave Roundabout A361/A371/A37 at Shepton Mallet OS: ST 62698 42155     16.7 miles

Warning: Cannards Grave Roundabout is very busy and the roads are dangerous. Park well away from the junction and stay on the footpath at all times to view the flock.

The Shepton Sheep Breed (also known as The Rock Flock) has been known to appear in a variety of costumes at certain times of the year e.g. Easter bonnets. So how do they get to change outfits whilst always being there to see, well we think they use the nearby Sheep Portal, so they can move faster than the blink of an eye! They all have names, which are presumably recorded in the Official Breed Record Book.

And they do get shepherded around by their official breed shepherds from time to time to keep them in order -

The Mangledwurzels – Seth Pitt, Jethro Tool and Hedge Cutter shepherding the Shepton Sheep

and you can also buy the Mangledwurzels’ Album Wurz ‘Ee II containing the song! Or book the Mangledwurzels to sing it for you.

How to get there: Take the B3151 from Wedmore towards Glastonbury and travel through Westhay and Meare. About 1.3 miles after leaving Meare, just before Coldharbough Bridge turn right. After 0.7 mile turn right signposted Sharpham and continue for about 0.5 mile, bear left at Sharpham Crossing over the Glastonbury Canal. The Tea Garden is signposted and is on the right a little after the Crossing.

Sharpham Tea Room

Sharpham Tea Room

Tea Garden with Glastonbury Tor View

Sharpham Tea Room Garden

Recommended Cream Tea

The Tea Garden is open all year Wednesday-Sunday and serves lunches, snacks, superb homemade cakes and an excellent and recommended cream tea, with choice of warmed plain or fruit scones. Various hot and cold lunches are available, which may include fish dishes of Cod, Salmon Steak or Baramundi; along with local butcher’s sausages (Wed-Sat). On Sundays, roast lunches are available and a Christmas menu can be booked with a deposit.

Phone to book a lunch and find out what is on offer.
You will receive a very friendly welcome and can sit inside or in the quiet peaceful (and on a fine day – sunlit) garden, with a view across the levels to Glastonbury Tor.

Well worth the visit and can be combined with a visit to one of the local nature reserves or when just walking the footpaths in the area – or of course ‘just happened to go that way for a cream tea!’

Summer opening Wed/Thurs 10-5, Fri 10-7, Sat/Sun 10-6 (Closing at 4 in bad weather)

Winter opening (When the clocks change) Wed-Fri 11-4, Sat/Sun 10-4:30
Tel: 01458 442050 email:sharphamteagarden@fsmail.net

Location: Ashcott Road, Meare, just past the Railway Inn, cross the Glastonbury Canal, Car Park immediately on right. OS: ST 44931 39712 9 miles (also location for Shapwick Reserve see separate entry)
Wheelchair access and disabled parking in the reserve – access for vehicles requires RADAR key

RSPB Reserve Sign

Accessible Boardwalk Trail

Choice of Trails

Waterfowl

Assorted Waterfowl

Swans on The Glastonbury Canal

Waterfowl

Reed Beds

Glastonbury Canal

Canal Side Path

Old Station House

The disabled parking area within the Reserve gives access to the Boardwalk (recycled plastic) Trail – 200m, suitable for wheelchairs and gives access to 3 open water viewing screens. Otters, Grass Snakes and Adders have been seen on the Board Walk.

The Walton Heath Trail – 1.8km (1.1miles), which incorporates the Boardwalk Trail, is a grass track which takes you around the main reed bed area with seats at suitable points and a viewing screen on the far side.

The Loxton’s Marsh Trail – 1.3km (0.8 mile) is beyond the Boardwalk and is accessed via the boardwalk and takes you through the reed beds nearby, Siskin and Redpole have been seen in the alder trees in winter. The reserve is visited by a range of water fowl as well as Gulls and Cormorants, as well as being home to the Bittern, Heron and Little Egret. In winter the reed beds provide roosting for large flocks of Starling. Otter and Roe Deer can also be seen.

You may wish to take the Railway Path and follow the Glastonbury Canal beyond the reserve to emerge at Sharpham (1.7 miles) and visit the Sharpham Tea Garden – see separate entry.

Ham Wall Reserve