Somerset Crafts
Somerset Crafts are a group of dedicated professional Somerset artists and craftspeople who have turned a vision into reality. The group set up and run an arts and crafts gallery situated at the Avalon Marshes Centre, and have established a close working relationship with Natural England who own the site. Avalon Marshes Centre is situated near the village of Westhay, Somerset and close to Shapwick Heath. Shapwick Heath is one of Britain’s most valued national nature reserves and a special jewel in Somerset’s crown.
The Gallery
The gallery displays and sells unique, original hand-crafted items of quality – all produced by Somerset Crafts members. The artists occasionally hold exhibitions and demonstrations at the centre and when these are planned, we will post on our News & Events page.
Becoming a Member
The main criteria for becoming a member of Somerset Crafts is that you live in Somerset and are a practising artist producing your own original work. You should also be able to steward the gallery one or two days a month. A working email is also a requirement. While enquiries from potential new members are always welcome, we can only take on new members if we have space and try to make sure that we do not duplicate art disciplines. All considered work is assessed by members twice a year at regular member meetings.
If you wish to be considered for membership, think you have work that we would be interested in and you also fit the criteria, please contact us by email at somersetcrafts2022@gmail.com and we will be in touch.
Links
Natural England
‘Our purpose is to protect and improve England’s natural environment and encourage people to enjoy and get involved in their surroundings.’
Avalon Marshes Centre
The Avalon Marshes Centre sits at the heart of Somerset’s Avalon Marshes and is where the Somerset Crafts Gallery can be found. The centre is an important focus for educational and other events and the central hub for the management of the Avalon Marshes nature reserves
Ham Wall Nature Reserve
RSPB Ham Wall is a wetland teeming with wildlife – from rare species like water voles and otters to magnificent birds like bitterns and kingfishers.
Shapwick Heath Nature Reserve
Natural England Shapwick Heath is an internationally important site for wetland birds – a mosaic of wetland habitats including meadows, ditches, fen, mire and wet woodland, open water and reed beds.
Starling Murmurations
Spectacular murmurations can be seen in the Shapwick Heath and Ham Wall nature reserves. Find out where they roosted the night before by calling the Starling Hotline. (Nov-Feb)
Tel. 07866 554142
Hawk and Owl Trust
For 50 years the Hawk and Owl Trust has been dedicated to conserving owls and birds of prey in the wild, conserving and managing their habitats and contributing to our understanding of them.
Avalon Archaeology
Avalon Archaeology Park is a place to discover local heritage alongside the natural environment in a beautiful rural location. History is brought to life through archaeological reconstructions celebrating human interaction with the Somerset Levels over thousands of years.
Marshes Hub Tea Spot
Stop for a cuppa, lunch or a snack at the Marshes Hub Tea Stop here at the Avalon Marshes Centre, behind Somerset Crafts Gallery.