A GUIDE TO BIRD WATCHING AND NATURE RESERVES in NORFOLK, SUFFOLK and EAST ANGLIA UK.

East Anglia can provide areas of wilderness where the bird life and wildlife can be observed almost undisturbed by all Twitchers. The coastline is often backed by dunes or marshes, the Breckland to the south has virtually deserted pine forest and sandy heaths.

The gem of East Anglia is Broadland which is truly unique - there is simply nowhere quite like it in the British Isles or Europe. The overwhelming appeal of the Broads area, to the visitor, is its relaxing charm and almost intoxicating beauty. All who visit it are captivated.

Broadland itself, offers chances to see rare plants and animals some of which are only found in this region. Local wildlife includes the Bittern, with its unique "booming" sound. Many butterflies are seen, such as the Swallowtail, while the huge "Norfolk Hawker" dragonfly may look quite frightening but it is quite harmless.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is the premier organisation in the U.K.
Other Sections of interest include Bird Watching Holidays, Rambling & Hicking and Outdoor & Country Pursuits.

Please click on one of the links below for more information and contact details.

Alderfen Broad

Alderfen Broad Close Here is Broadland scenery at its best, with rolling green views. 29 ha. of open water, alder carr and fen.

Barton Broad - National Nature Reserves

Barton Broad - National Nature Reserves Close This is the second largest of all the Broads, and was heavily polluted in the past. 164 ha. of open water, alder carr and fen.

Berney Marshes and Breydon Water

Berney Marshes and Breydon Water Close Experience the wide open spaces of grazing marshes and mudflats at Berney Marshes and Breydon Water. There is a short nature trail and viewing screen overlooking the marshes. Access all year. Footpaths from Great Yarmouth and Gorleston give views over the tidal waters and mud flats of this local Nature Reserve. Details of boat trips are available from the warden. Opening Times : Open at all times Location: Access from Asda car park near Great Yarmouth railway station (walk from Berney Marshes 8 miles / 13km round trip) Train: Great Yarmouth for Breydon Water; Berney Arms halt for Berney Marshes Bus: Norwich to Great Yarmouth Telephone: 01493 842195 Nature Trail: 0.5 miles / 0.8 km

Blakeney Point - National Nature Reserves

Blakeney Point - National Nature Reserves Close Blakeney Point is a shingle ridge which extends westwards from Weybourne and runs more or less parallel to the coast from which it is seperated by tidal water: sand and finer particles of silt and mud help to build up the point. The shingle banks and foreshore provide suitable habits for wintering passerines such as twite, snow bunting and shore larks. Common and sometimes grey seals can be seen at Blakeney. Opening Times : Open at all times Location: North Norfolk coast, 8km east north east of Wells Car Parking: Morston and Blakeney Quays and Cley, (charges are made during the summer season).

Broadland Conservation Centre - Norfolk Natuarlists Trusts

Broadland Conservation Centre - Norfolk Natuarlists Trusts Close Open Apr thru Oct. Sun - Thur, 10.30am - 5.30pm, Sat 2 - 5.30pm. A floating gallery for bird watching moored on Ranworth Inner Broad, displays of conservation and the history of the Broads approached by a 1/4 mile nature trail through woodland.

Booton Common

Booton Common Close The species-rich fen at Booton Common contains several uncommon plant species and is a wonderfully varied site. 8 ha. of valley mire.

Bure Marshes - Nature Conservancy Council

Bure Marshes - Nature Conservancy Council Close Open early May-mid Sept, except weekends. Extensive fen, broads and fen woodland, nature trail can only be reached by boat, just upstream from Salhouse Broad.

Cley Marshes

Cley Marshes Close Cley Marshes, perched on the north Norfolk coast, has a well-deserved reputation as one of the UK's premier bird watching sites and there's always something to see, whatever time of year you visit. The pools and scrapes, all within easy view of the hides, are flush with unusual and interesting birds throughout the year, and both experienced and new birders will find much to enthral them here. Meandering along the boardwalks and glimpsing the birdlife through the reeds is pure pleasure. Opening Times: Nature reserve - daily. Visitor centre - late March to early October 10am to 5pm, early November to early December 10am to 4pm. Location: Half a mile east of Cley-next-the-Sea on the A149 coast road. Buses stop outside nature reserve. Tel: 01263 740008

Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve - Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve - Suffolk Wildlife Trust Close Typical broadland habitats of grazing marshes, reed beds, dykes and minibroads. Marsh flowers, insects and birds. Easy access for handicapped to the centre, car parks and circulate walks. Reserve open all year, visitors centre most weekdays and weekends Easter to October 10.00am to 5.00 pm. Tel: 01502 564250

Cockshoot Broad - National Nature Reserves

Cockshoot Broad - National Nature Reserves Close A revitalised broad, once almost completely silted up but now restored by the Broads Authority to the condition it was in a century ago. The Broad lies on land owned by the Norfolk Naturalists Trust and visitors are able to explore the area on foot, via specially built walkways and view from an observation hide. Arrive by car and park beside the river at Woodbastwick or by boat, mooring at the staithe at the end of Cockshoot Dyke.

Dingle Marshes - Suffolk

Dingle Marshes - Suffolk Close Dingle Marshes is one of the few places in Suffolk, accessible by road, where you can have a near wilderness experience. There’s something exciting to see every day, but May is wonderful with bittern booming and marsh harrier displaying. The reserve is a magnet for breeding and wintering wildfowl and wading birds including the elegant avocet, white-fronted goose, lapwing and redshank. RESTRICTED ACCESS Tel: 01728 648701 (Minsmere Office) Tourist Infomation: 01493 842195 Nature Trail: Information boards along the public rights-of-way on the reserve Birdwatching Hides: One

East Winch Common

East Winch Common Close East Winch Common's heathland is dominated by heather, and a variety of uncommon plants grow in the damp hollows. 31 ha. of dry and wet heath with oak and birch woodland.

East Wretham

East Wretham Close East Wretham Heath's beautiful meres support large numbers of birds and are an attractive focus for birdwatchers and walkers alike. Both Ringmere and Langmere are fed by rising ground water and their water levels vary throughout the year - they are highest in summer and lowest in winter. 143 ha. of heath, meres and woodland.

Flow Marshes

Flow Marshes Close Flow Marshes is classic Broadland scenery at its best. 43 ha. of open water, wet woodland (carr) and fen.

Fowlmere - Cambridgeshire

Fowlmere - Cambridgeshire Close Fowlmere's reedbeds and pools are fed by natural chalk springs, and a chalk stream runs through the reserve. Special birds include kingfishers and water rails, breeding sedge warblers, reed warblers and grasshopper warblers, and a roost of corn buntings in the winter. Opening Times: Open at all times Location: 7 miles / 11km south of Cambridge between Fowlmere and Melbourn Train: Shepreth (2 miles / 3 km) Telephone: 01763 208978 Nature Trail: 1.5 miles / 2.5 km. Partly wheelchair / pushchair accessible Birdwatching Hides: Four (one wheelchair accessible).

Foxley Wood - Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Foxley Wood - Norfolk Wildlife Trust Close Foxley Wood is Norfolk's largest ancient woodland. In spring and summer it is resplendent with flowers and its wide rides dance with butterflies. Throughout the year it is bursting with the sound of birdsong. Over the years parts of the wood have been neglected, and Norfolk Wildlife Trust is in the process of restoring this glorious woodland to its former beauty. This is a wonderful place to get away from it all.

Frampton Marsh - Lincolnshire

Frampton Marsh - Lincolnshire Close You will see birds here whenever you come, but high tides from autumn to spring are the best for roosting wading birds, the bigger the tide the better the spectacle. In winter, there are brent geese, birds of prey, short eared owls, twites, corn buntings and rock pipits. In summer, large numbers of redshanks breed at an exceptionally high density. Other breeding species include oystercatchers, skylarks and reed buntings, and marsh harriers can be seen hunting over the reserve. Opening Times: Open at all times Location: 4 miles / 6 km south east of Boston. Signs from Frampton Village off the A16. Train: Shepreth (2 miles / 3 km) Telephone: 01205 724678 Nature Trail: 2 miles / 3 km linear

Freiston - Lincolnshire

Freiston - Lincolnshire Close At Freiston Shore, you can get close views of roosting wading birds at high tide, and tree sparrows, corn buntings, yellow hammers and skylarks are common. Om winter, brent geese, eiders, red breasted merganisers and occasionally divers swim offshore, while birds of prey hunt over the marshes. Summer is good for nesting wading birds, including avocets ad ringed plovers. We have breached the sea wall in one area to re-create saltmarsh. Opening Times: Open at all times. Please contact the reserve office for details of disabled access Location: 4 miles / 6 km east of Boston. Signposted from the A52 at Hattoft End. Telephone: 01205 724678 Tourist Information: 01205 356656 Nature Trail: 0.5 miles / 0.8 km circular Birdwatching Hide: One

Havergate Island

Havergate Island Close This small island in the River Ore is importatant for breeding avocets, gulls and common terns, and for wintering wildfowl and wading birds. Access is by boat only - please phone the Minsmere visitor centre on 01728 648281 to book your place. Opening Times: April to August: first and third weekends of the month and every Thursday. Sept to March: first Saturday of the month. There are limited places in the boat - prior booking is essential. Bookings are taken through our visitors centre at our Minsmere nature reserve - tel 01728 648281 9am - 5pm (1 Feb - 31st Oct), 9am - 4pm (1st Nov - 31st January), closed Tuesdays Location: Boat trips leave from Orford Quay. Tourist Information: 01728 453637. Nature Trail: 1.5 miles / 2.5 km Birdwatching Hides: Six

Hardley Flood

Hardley Flood Close Footpath on northern bank of Chet from Loddon & Chedgrave, going on to 'Hardley Cross' the traditional boundary between Norwich & Gt. Yarmouth. A small but attractive wetland reserve, extremely rich in waterfowl in spring & autumn. Very Dutch like low lying water meadows, trees and shrubs also provide a wide range of song birds as well as riverside species.

Hethel Old Thorn

Hethel Old Thorn Close Hethel Old Thorn lies in a tranquil setting at the edge of a tiny south Norfolk village, nestling beside the church and its peaceful churchyard. A thirteenth century hawthorn Crataegus monogyna.

Hickling Broad - Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Hickling Broad - Norfolk Wildlife Trust Close Open May & Sept Tues, Wed & Thurs. June, July & Aug Mon-Fri depart from Pleasure Boat Inn. Advance booking essential. Large broad open reed and sedge beds, oak woodland. Passage waders in large numbers in spring and autumn. Bittern, heron and bearded tit in summer. Boats may pass along the public channels. Warden's office - Stubb Road Hickling, open 9am - 3pm for permits on weekdays (except Tues) Watertrail 2.5 hour trip.

Hoe Rough

Hoe Rough Close Meander through heathland and meadows to the edge of the River Whitewater. 12 ha. of grassland, ponds and heath.

Holme Dunes - National Nature Reserves

Holme Dunes - National Nature Reserves Close Holme Dunes is one of the north Norfolk coast's most attractive landscapes, and has a tangible air of fragility and mysticism. Its location makes it an important bird watching site and 320 species have been seen. 270 ha. mudflats, foreshore, sand dunes, dune slacks, scrub, pines, saltmarsh, freshwater and grazing marsh and reedbeds.

Honeypot Wood

Honeypot Wood Close The small size and colourful plant life of Honeypot Wood make for a fascinating walk. 10 ha. of coppice with standards.

Horsey Mere - National Trust

Horsey Mere - National Trust Close Restricted access by boat. Winter wildfowl with occasional swans, extensive reed beds and proximity to sea give it a special attraction to birds of passage.

How Hill

How Hill Close Centre, gardens and museum. Wildlife Water Trail - Discover the wildlife in the How Hill Nature Reserve by an electrically powered boat the "Electric Eel". Trips leave How Hill Staithe every hour on the hour, during June-September. Opening times are as for the Toad Hole Cottage. The boat takes only 8 people, booking is advised.

Lakenheath Fen - Suffolk

Lakenheath Fen - Suffolk Close At Lakenheath, the RSPB is converting arable farmland into a large reedbed. Work is still in progress. You can view the reserve from the riversid public footpath. Golden orioles breed in a poplar plantation on the reserve, and you can watch these stunning birds from the riverside footpath. Tel: 01603 661662

Little Terns - Great Yarmouth

Little Terns - Great Yarmouth Close The UK's largest colony of little terns breeds on the North Denes beach at Great Yarmouth. To protect these vulnerable birds the RSPB runs a warderning scheme. Visitors can watch these terns between mid-May and the end of July. Tel: 01603 715191

Lolly Moor

Lolly Moor Close This tiny nature reserve is remarkable for the diversity of habitat and variety of flora contained in such a small area. 3 ha. of wet grassland, alder carr and scrub.

Lower Wood - Ashwellthorpe

Lower Wood - Ashwellthorpe Close This is one of Norfolk's few remaining ancient woodlands, and bluebell and ransoms make colourful displays in spring. 37 ha. of ancient coppice and woodland.

Martham Broad - National Nature Reserve

Martham Broad - National Nature Reserve Close This fabulous National Nature Reserve is one of the best sites in Broadland at which to see the swallowtail butterfly. 60 ha. of open water, reedbed and carr (wet woodland).

Minsmere - Suffolk

Minsmere - Suffolk Close Set on the beautiful Suffolk coast, Minsmere offers both families and keen birdwatchers a great day out. Nature trails take you thriugh a variety of habitats to excellant birdwatching hides. In spring,, you can watch avocets and marsh harriers or hear booming bitterns. On the beach, a special area is cordoned off to protect nesting little terns. In autumn and winter, many wading birds and wildfowl visit the reserve. There is a visitor centre where you can find out more about the reserve, browse the shop or enjoy a meal in our licensed tearoom. There are also events throughout the year, including special events for children and people new to birdwatching.

Narborough Railway Line

Narborough Railway Line Close Chalk grassland such as this is unusual in Norfolk and provides both an easy walk and fascinating study. 8 ha. disused railway embankment with chalk grassland, scrub and woodland.

New Buckenham Common

New Buckenham Common Close This registered common is very much part of the New Buckenham village landscape. 37 ha. of grassland, scrub and ponds.

North Warren - Suffolk

North Warren - Suffolk Close This delightful reserve on the Suffolk coast contains grazing marshes, reedbeds, heathland and woodland. Thousands of wildfowl use the marshes in winter, while spring brings breeding marsh harriers, woodlarks, nightingales and sometimes bitterns. Look out for the many species of butterflies and dragonflies. Opening Times: Open at all times. Location: Just north of Aldeburgh, on the Thorpeness road Train: Saxmundham Bus: Regular service to Aldeburgh from Woodbridge Telephone: 01728 688481 Tourist Information: 01728 453637 Nature Trails: Three (1.8 miles, 4 miles, 5.5 miles)

Ouse Washes - Cambridgeshire

Ouse Washes - Cambridgeshire Close The Ouse Washes form the largest area of regularly flooded grazing marsh in Britain. The reserve attracts thousands of ducks and swans in winter, and redshanks, lapwings and snipe breed here in spring. Walking behind the banks avoids putting the wildfowl to flight. Theres is wildfowling from adjacent fields from 1st September to 31st January, especially on Saturdays. Sunday is a non-shooting day. Opening Times: Birdwatching hides always open. Visitor centre: 9am - 5pm daily (closed 25 & 26 dec) Location: Signposted from Manea village (2.5 miles / 4 km) which is 6 miles / 9.5km east of Chatteris on the A142 / A141 between Ely and March Train: Manea stop (3miles / 5km), limited service Telephone: 01354 680212 Tourist Information: 01353 662062 Nature Trails: Ten (six RSPB and four wildlife trusts) - one wheelchair accessible

Ranworth Broad - National Nature Reserves

Ranworth Broad - National Nature Reserves Close This is one of Norfolk's most popular Broads and there is plenty to see and do for both families and naturalists. Our floating Broads Wildlife Centre is located at the end of an informative boardwalk. 136 ha. of open water, carr (wet woodland) and fen.

Ringstead Downs

Ringstead Downs Close Ringstead Downs is Norfolk's answer to the South Downs. Its rolling chalky landscape provides wonderful views. 11ha. of chalk grassland.

Roydon Common - Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Roydon Common - Norfolk Wildlife Trust Close Our National Nature Reserve at Roydon Common feels rather like a piece of the New Forest! Its different habitats and rich biodiversity make for a very interesting walk. Restoration work is still ongoing here. 190 ha. of dry and wet heath, fen and bog, acid grassland, carr and woodland.

Rye House Marsh

Rye House Marsh Close This may be a small nature reserve, but it is full of interest for all the family. The reserve is by the River Lea and includes areas of reedbed, open water, meadow and wood. In the summer, a colony of common terns nests on specially made rafts, while kingfishers breed in artificial sandbanks. During the winter, ducks such as shovelers, gadwalls and tufted ducks can be seen on the open water. Tel: 01992 460031

Salthouse

Salthouse Close Salthouse Marshes is one of a string of important birding sites along the north Norfolk coast. A shingle bank protects it from the ravages of the North Sea. 66 ha. of coastal grazing marsh and saline lagoons.

Scarning Fen

Scarning Fen Close Scarning Fen is a unique small nature reserve. It is very sensitive to trampling so please tread carefully to avoid damaging the wonderful flora. 4 ha. of chalky valley mire, carr and grassland.

Snettisham - Norfolk

Snettisham - Norfolk Close Snettishams nature reserve is the place to witness to of the UK's great wildlife spectacles. On big tides, as water covers the vast mudflats of The Wash, tens of thousands of wader birds are pushed off their feeding grounds and onto the roost banks and islands in front of the RSPB hides. In the middle of winter, a dawn or dusk visit may reward you with the sight if thousands of pink footed geese commuting between their safe roost site on The Wash and farmland where they feed on the aftermath of sugar beet harvests. Large nunbers of common terns and black headed gulls nest on the reserve in summer, and there is a spectacular display of shingle flowers. To help you plan your visit the RSPB produces birdwatchers tide tables. These include details of the best phases of the moon for seeing winter wild goose flights. Opening Times: Open at all times; the car park may be locked at night. Location: Signposted from he A149 between King's lynn and Hunstanton. Train: Kings Lynn (13miles / 21km) Bus: Nearest stop (2miles / 3km), regular service from Kings Lynn Telephone: 01485 532610 Nature Trail: about 3.5 miles/5.5 km Birdwatching Hides: Four

Stour Estuary - Essex

Stour Estuary - Essex Close At the Stour Estuary nature reserve you can enjoy strolling through a coppiced wood and watching wading birds, ducks and geese on an estruary. In spring, nightingales and other birds fill the woods with their songs, and there is a glorious display of flowers. The best times of year to visit are autumn and winter. Opening Times: Open at all times Location: 1 miles/1.6km east of Wrabness on the B1352 Manningtree to Harwich road. Train: Wrabness (0.5miles/0.8km) Bus: Buses from Colchester to Harwich via Wrabness pass the reserve car park Mon-Sat Telephone: 01255 886043. Nature Trail: Shortest 1 mile, Longest 5 Miles Birdwatching Hides: Three

Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve

Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve Close Now open to the public, Sculthorpe Moor is the first Hawk & Owl Trust Nature Reserve, and the newest in Norfolk. Situated in the Upper Wensum Valley, The Reserve is a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest', consisting of Reedbed, Valley Fen, Alder Carr and Woodland with a rich bio-diversity of Flora and Fauna.

Strumpshaw Fen

Strumpshaw Fen Close Open all year 9am - 9pm or sunset when earlier. Strumpshaw Fen is in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. A number of nature trails lead you through the varied habitats, including reedbeds and woodland. In the summer, there is a special trail in the flower-filled meadow. When walking near the reedbeds you may hear a bearded tit or see a swallowtail butterfly in the summer. Small broad, reed beds, mixed woodland, typical breeding and wintering birds, observation hide and displays. Tel: 01603 715191

Surlingham Church Marsh

Surlingham Church Marsh Close On the other side of the River Yare to Strumpshaw Fen, this is another Broadland reserve. A nature trail takes you around the edge of the reserve and from it you can see the birds of reed and sedge fen, ditches and open water. Tel: 01508 538661

Synderstone Common

Synderstone Common Close The acidic heathland here is punctuated with alkaline pools lying in the bottom of the valley, making for a rich diversity of flora and fauna. 24 ha. of heathland valley with seasonal pools.

Titchwell Marsh - Norfolk

Titchwell Marsh - Norfolk Close This wetland nature reserve is situated on the beautiful north norfolk coast. A walk from the visitor centre down to the sandy beach takes you past reedbeds and shallow lagoons that we manage for birds. In summer, you can watch marsh harriers hunting over the reeds. Winter sees the arrival of ducks, geese and many other migrant birds. The well stocked gift shop has lots of optical equipment, RSPB gifts, books and souvenirs. The three hides and the paths are suitable for people in wheelchairs. there is a servery selling hot and cold drinks and snacks. Visitor Centre: daily 10 am to 5 pm (4pm Nov-Mar), closed 25 & 26 Dec. Location: 5 Miles / 8km east of Hunstanton on the A149 Train: Kings Lynn (21 miles / 38 km) Bus: From Hunstanton and Sheringham (bus stop at reserve entrance) Telephone: 01485 210779 Nature trail: 270 yds / 250 mtrs. To the Fen hide and Meadow Trail there is a firm path to the beach with two gentle slopes. Wheelchair and pushchair accessible. Birdwatching Hides: Three Website: www.rspb.org.uk

Thursford Wood

Thursford Wood Close The oaks here are some of the oldest in the county and could be 500 years old or more. The dead branches and partially rotten trunks provide refuge for a stunning array of wildlife. 10 ha. of ancient pollarded wood pasture and ponds.

Upton Broad and Marshes

Upton Broad and Marshes Close This wildlife-rich fen is one of the UK's top ten sites for dragonflies. 63 ha. of fen, carr (wet woodland), grazing marsh reedbed.

Winterton Dunes

Winterton Dunes Close Nature Conservancy Council, Access all year, large sand dune area with coastal plants and birds.

Wayland Wood

Wayland Wood Close The impenetrable wildwood of Norfolk Wildlife Trust Wayland Wood instils a sense of foreboding for which it is renowned locally. 34ha. of ancient coppice.

Weeting Heath

Weeting Heath Close Grazing was fundamental to the creation of open Breck heaths centuries ago and to the wildlife which is typical of the area. Modern farming means that the Brecks are no longer grazed as they were. Norfolk Wildlife Trust uses sheep and rabbits to keep the sward short and maintain the heath for its rare and vulnerable species. Opening Times: Nature reserve: Daily early April to late August 7am to dusk. Visitor centre: Open 10am-5pm April-August. At certain times the centre maybe closed briefly if the staff are called onto the nature reserve Location: 3 miles west of Brandon on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. Signposted from the Weeting to Hockwold cum Wilton road. Telephone: 01842 827615

Wolves Wood - Suffolk

Wolves Wood - Suffolk Close This reserve is one of the few remnants of the ancient woodland that used to cover East Anglia. the RSPB manages it using the traditional methos of coppicing, which means that the wood has a wide variety of birds, plants and mammals. In spring, its is a good place to hear the beautiful song of the nightingale. Opening Times: Open at all times Location: 2 miles / 3km east of Hadleigh on the A1071 to Ipswich Bus: Nearest formal stop Hadleigh. Hourly services from Ipswich. Buses via lady lane pass the reserve entrance and will stop if driver considers it safe. Telephone: 01255 886043 Tourist Information: 01473 258070 Nature Trail: 1 mile / 1.6 km