Somerset Levels summary

The Somerset Levels and Moors is a nationally and internationally important coastal wetland system, comprising large areas of unimproved grazing marsh, draining into Bridgwater Bay, a Ramsar site and Special Protection Area. The site also includes a number of nature reserves. The management of the area is co-ordinated through the 'Somerset Levels Partnership' made up of about 90 Parish Councils, four Districts and Somerset County Council, the lead agency .

Attempts to re-instate traditional water level management are a key to sustaining the wildlife interest of the area. Government has designated just under half of the Levels and Moors as an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). Incentive payments are available to farmers who agree, voluntarily, to farm more sustainably in order to help ensure the conservation of soil, peat-based archaeology and wildlife habitats. Since 1991, special payments under the ESA scheme have been made available to farmers and landowners to promote the raising of water levels on the most sensitive peat moors. DEFRA's Countryside Stewardship Scheme is a useful alternative outside the ESA.