At low tide extensive areas of mud flats (the Steart and the Berrow Flats) are exposed, providing important feeding and over-wintering grounds for waders (shorebirds). Consequently Bridgwater Bay is a National Nature Reserve, and is managed by English Nature.
Rarer species spotted in the area include Avocetss, Wilson's Phalarope, the White-rumped Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Montague's Harrier (in spring), Ortolan Bunting and Richard's Pipit (in autumn).