‘Well Woman Walks’ at Shapwick Moor
20 September 2024 – The Hawk and Owl Trust is inviting local women to connect with nature through dedicated monthly ‘Well Woman Walks’ at Shapwick Moor Nature Reserve, near Glastonbury, Somerset. The initiative aims to benefit mental wellbeing and provides women with an opportunity to connect with nature, stay active, and enjoy the beauty of the local surroundings.
Recognising the need for specific programmes that support women’s wellbeing and access to nature, the Hawk and Owl Trust began offering the regular walks in early 2023 to provide a safe, supportive environment for women of all ages and fitness levels. The walks take place on the last Monday of each month, with space for up to 15 walkers each session. Past walks have centred on specific themes, offering an introduction to different aspects of the natural world, such as wildlife gardening and nocturnal critters. Walkers are invited to stay and wind down with a hot drink after the session.
Nestled in the Somerset Wetlands National Nature Reserve, Shapwick Moor is part of a fascinating working landscape celebrated for its rich wildlife, heritage and culture. The Hawk and Owl Trust manage this former arable farmland for the benefit of birds of prey and other wildlife.
The walks are led by Alex Learmont, Shapwick Moor Nature Reserve Warden & Outreach Officer at the Hawk and Owl Trust, who commented: “The Well Woman Walks at Shapwick Moor began in 2023 after several local women approached me expressing a desire to engage more deeply with the nature reserve and its unique wildlife. They wanted a supportive environment to start this journey, and we listened. Our walks have since evolved into a cherished escape – a safe space where women can leave behind daily pressures, connect with each other, and immerse themselves in the calming surroundings at Shapwick Moor as we look out for seasonal highlights.
“Many of our participants find these walks to be a breath of fresh air, a respite from their roles as caregivers or from other challenging life circumstances. Research suggests that UK women are three times more likely than men to feel unsafe in a park during the day. Our Well Woman Walks are more than just a walk; it’s a chance to share stories, gain strength from shared experiences, and simply feel safe to enjoy a peaceful moment in nature,” continued Alex.
Julie Slater, a regular attendee of the Well Woman Walks, commented: “Attending the Well Woman Walks every month is something that I always look forward to – it gives me the opportunity to learn more about nature and the magnificent wildlife that the reserve has to offer. It also gives me a chance to do something for myself with like-minded women. I always come away with a smile on my face, eagerly awaiting the next walk.”
Warden’s Walks – new monthly walks open to all
Starting this autumn, Hawk and Owl Trust will also be running monthly 'Warden's Walks' at Shapwick Moor, giving visitors the chance to experience the reserve's wildlife as it changes through the seasons. The next walk will take place on Friday 11 October.
Wildlife sightings – What to expect
In late summer and early autumn, walkers can look forward to a rich tapestry of plants bearing fruits and nuts and wildlife species at Shapwick Moor, from Hobbies and Woodpeckers, to Kestrels and Kingfishers, lots of fungi, and a few late dragonflies and butterflies.
What to bring
Visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, sturdy walking boots or wellies recommended. Binoculars are also recommended to fully experience the wonders that the reserve has to offer.
The walk will take in a mixture of hardstanding track and grassy fields, with mostly level ground. There is a wooden footbridge and a stile on one of the footpaths, as well as several uneven concrete steps.
To sign up for the next Well Woman Walk, please visit: https://members.hawkandowltrust.org/Event-Registration/EventId/68