Parking charges introduced at Westhay Moor nature reserve

The parking charges were introduced from 8 January

Visitors to a popular nature reserve will now have to pay for parking.

Somerset Wildlife Trust introduced the charges at Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve, near Glastonbury, after increasing costs "year on year".

Parking will cost £3 all day and applies to all visitors to the site, including Somerset Wildlife Trust members.

The trust said the "modest amount" of money generated would help them carry out crucial conservation work.

"Our nature reserves are free for you to visit, but they cost us £803,000 a year to manage at a time when costs are increasing year on year.  

"The modest amount of income we believe the charges will generate here is really important to us," it added.

A ticketing machine has been installed by Park with Ease, who have been awarded a three-year contract to deliver the service at the site, which is popular for walking trails, geocaching and bird watching.