Ham Wall,at dusk

Ham Wall is a wetland National Nature Reserve 4 km west of Glastonbury, on the Somerset Levels. Peat built up here in the marshes of the Brue valley since the last Ice Age and was dug commercially through the twentieth century.

In 1994 the landowners, Fisons, gave the old workings to what is now Natural England. The RSPB manages the 260-hectare Ham Wall section, first made as reed bed for the bittern.

We meet at the car park 45 minutes before sunset, walk out on the flat track to the viewing point and stand quiet until the light goes. Then we walk back by torch.

Wear boots and a warm layer more than you think. Binoculars help with the falcons; the flock itself is best with bare eyes.