UK093
Severn Estuary


Country/territory: United Kingdom

IBA criteria met: A4i, A4iii, B1i, B2, B3, C2, C3, C4, C6 (2007)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here

Area: 25,141 ha

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
IBA conservation status
Year of assessment (most recent) State (condition) Pressure (threat) Response (action)
2015 not assessed high low
For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here


Site description (2007 baseline)
The estuary is fed by five major rivers (the Severn, Wye, Usk, Parrett and Avon) in addition to other lesser rivers. Classically funnel-shaped, the estuary has the second widest tidal range in the world and is characterized by strong currents, mobile sediments and high turbidity. Large expanses of cord-grass Spartina occur. The site supports internationally important numbers of wintering and passage wildfowl and waders, in addition to important breeding bird populations.


Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Severn Estuary. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/severn-estuary-iba-united-kingdom on 19/03/2024.