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Spoonbill on Porlock Marsh

We were delighted to hear that a Spoonbill was spotted on Porlock Marsh earlier this month. Spoonbills are a very rare breeding bird in the UK and are protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act.

This stunning photograph by Alastair Stevenson captured the juvenile when it visited Porlock Marsh on 8th February. We also received this heart-warming email from another member who spotted the Spoonbill…

To my delight, I saw my first Spoonbill adjacent to the boardwalk less than 30 feet away from me. I saw it again an hour later flying from the Bossington end in the direction of the boardwalk. Other people on the boardwalk at the same time must have thought I was crackers as I accosted them as they went past me, pointing and saying “It’s a spoonbill, look, it’s a spoonbill”.  It was something very special to see and I hope it is the fore-runner of many more.

Also in the news
2025 was a very successful year for the archive, with exhibition collaborations, important donations and archive walks. We now look forward to building on these achievements in 2026 and so here are some of our plans and aspirations for the coming year.
We’re delighted to announce the return of The Exmoor Society Big Nature Day, a joyful celebration of everything that makes Exmoor so special.
A new monthly feature for 2026, we'll be shining a spotlight on one of our wonderful volunteers, staff members, or trustees who help protect and promote Exmoor National Park. First up this month is our office manager, Gill Whitehead.