Norfolk's Nature Reserves:
Fascinating Wildlife And Beautiful Scenery

The Nature Reserves in Norfolk are primarily dominated by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust which has over 40 reserves in Norfolk alone, and the RSPB with 8 sites, each with their own unique character and wildlife. 

What Makes Norfolk's Reserves So Special?

The diversity of Norfolk's landscape is incredible.  From the  some vast coastal marshes and water meadows to the ancient heathland, cliffs, woodland and the Norfolk Broads.  We have it all in one county!

• There’s something for everyone, young or old!
• Birdwatching
• Walking
• Photography
  
• Observing the flora and fauna

All of these habitats are under constant threat from various pressures but thanks to the dedicated conservation organisations that manage much of the land, they remain protected for all to enjoy.  

Popular Organisations Involved In Protecting Norfolk’s Landscape

There are 3 major organisations that manage most of the Norfolk Nature Reserves.

The Norfolk Wildlife Trust, established in 1926 and is the oldest wildlife trust in the UK. Founded in 1926 when they acquired 420 acres at Cley Marshes, they now manages over 60 nature reserves and has over 35,000 members.

The RSPB (Royal Society for the Prevention of Birds) is another organization with a large involvement in many of the Norfolk Wildlife Reserves and provide safe places for countless bird species from rare bitterns (Cley) to spectacular wader flocks (Snettisham).  

The National Trust  - beyond historic houses, they also protect vast stretches of the coastline (Blakeney Point) and the countryside.

The Hawk and Owl Trust - specialists in raptor conservation who manage several important habitats in Norfolk (Sculthorpe Moor)

Top Coastal Nature Reserves in Norfolk

Norfolk Wildlife Trust Reserves

Cley Marshes

I love Cley Marshes.  This is Norfolk Wildlife Trust's oldest nature reserve and its very first. This coastal spot boasts freshwater marshes, reedbeds, and the shingle beach. It’s considered to be one of the best birdwatching sights in the UK and it really does support a plethora of breeding and wintering birds.

There are a network of hides and boardwalks providing excellent opportunities for spotting rare birds. Even if you're just a casual bird watcher or nature enthusiast, the views across the marshes are spectacular.  The eco-friendly visitor centre is a very good introduction to the area's natural landscape.  

Explore more about Cley Marshes here

Hickling Broad

As the largest of the Broads Reserves, Hickling Broad offers a stunning landscape that changes with the seasons.  It now covers ain impressive 1,400 acres and is home to bitterns and swallowtails. 

Explore the reserve on foot or take a guided wildlife water trail boat tour in the summer which I would highly recommend.  This gives you the chance to climb up to the 60ft watch tower and admire the expanse of the reserve from on high!

Plan your visit to Hickling Broad here

Ranworth Broad

Another gem of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserves is the fascinating floating visitor centre at Ranworth Broad.   It has one of the largest cormorant roosts in the UK and the boat trips offer an amazing opportunity to also visit the ruins of St Benet's Abbey.

Discover how to visit Ranworth Broad here

Foxley Wood

Foxley Wood is particularly wonderful in spring when carpeted with bluebells - this is an ancient woodland that is managed with great sensitivity by the NWT.  This woodland offers you peaceful walks through historically significant landscape.

Find out when to visit Foxley Wood for the bluebells

RSPB Reserves

Titchwell Marsh

The RSPB has created something very special at Titchwell.  With the freshwater and salt water lagoons, reedbeds, and a sandy beach, it really does offer incredible diversity in a fairly small area. 

The easy walking paths and excellent visitor centre make wildlife accessible for all.

This reserve is a hotspot for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons when thousands of birds pass through.

This is a great reserve to bring the family too and encourage young children to experience nature and wildlife.

Plan your family day out at Titchwell Marsh

Snettisham Reserve

If there's one wildlife spectacle in Norfolk that leaves visitors speechless, it's the Snettisham Wader Spectacular.  When thousands of waders swirl in the sky as the tide comes in, it's honestly like watching a breathing work of art!

In winter, the dawn flight of the Pink Footed Geese is also another unforgettable sight.  It's not just for the spectacular though, it's an all year round reserve overlooking The Wash with hides around the scrapes.

Find out about Snettisham RSPB reserve here

Strumpshaw Fen

Set in the beautiful Norfolk Broads, this RSPB reserve offers wonderful walking trails and hides perfect for spotting marsh h arriers, bitterns and kingfishers.  

In the spring and summer, the meadows are full of wildflowers, which attracts a large number of dragonflies and butterflies, including the spectacular swallowtail which I have yet to see!

The reserve also offers activities for children, making it a family-friendly place to visit.

Discover the magic of Strumpshaw Fen here

National Trust and Other Notable Reserves

Blakeney National Nature Reserve

Discover the vast open spaces and uninterrupted views of the North Norfolk coastline at Blakeney National Nature Reserve.

Renowned for its 4-mile long shingle spit called Blakeney Point, this reserve offers a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife, including England's largest grey seal colony.

It’s an all year-round experience, from the summer where you’ll see the breeding tern colonies as well as the seals, and then again in the winter months where you’ll also see the seals and their pups.

The best way to see the incredible wildlife here is to take a ferry trip from Morston Quay, details of which you can find here.

Sculthorpe Moor

Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve, managed by the Hawk and Owl Trust, is completely different. 

It’s a really lovely small and peaceful reserve near Fakenham which is accessible year-round.  It’s home to a variety of birds including tawny owls, kingfishers, and great spotted woodpeckers, as well as small mammals like water voles.

The reserve has several hides and a special treetop hide offering panoramic views of the Wensum Valley. You can enjoy walking along the well-maintained boardwalks which are suitable for wheelchairs, making it accessible to all. 

Read my full review of Sculthorpe Moor here.

New to bird watching?

If you’re new to birdwatching, sometimes these hides (and experienced birders and enormous telescopes) can seem intimidating.  Please don’t let that put you off, because what you’ll see on the water’s edge is far more exciting than worrying about whether you know the name of the bird or not. 

And more often than not, most experienced bird watchers are very happy to share their knowledge and point out interesting species.  Everyone started somewhere, and Norfolk's reserves are the perfect place to begin your wildlife journey!

Pensthorpe Waterfowl Park

Beyond Birds: Norfolk's Flora and Fauna

If, however, you’re more interested in the flora and fauna of Norfolk, rather than bird watching, then the Norfolk Wildlife Trust maintains many sites where you can take wonderfully unspoilt walks through woodland, disused railway lines, heathland and fens. 

Visit the Norfolk Wildlife Trust site to see the location of their sites (as there are too many to mention) and get some more detailed information on exactly what you’d like to see.   

Other wildlife and nature places to visit are  Holt Country Park and Gooderstone Water Gardens.

Best Times to Visit

Norfolk's nature reserves offers unique experiences throughout the year.

• Winter is particularly spectacular for witnessing large flocks of pink-footed geese and observing the grey seals during their pupping season. For bird enthusiasts, the colder months also provide the best opportunities to see a variety of species gathering to roost. 
• Spring brings vibrant wildflowers
• Summer offers a chance to spot the rare swallowtail butterfly 
• Autumn has the excitement of bird migration

Accessibility and Facilities

Many of Norfolk's nature reserves are well-equipped to cater to visitors of all abilities (but not all of the reserves). Many of them have accessible trails and boardwalks. For example at Titchwell Marsh which accessible paths leading to various hides and viewpoints, and Sculthorpe Moor. 

But you should always check the specific facilities available at each reserve on their websites before planning your visit.

Most of the reserves are free to enter (some do charge), although they do usually require a car parking charge.

This overview has only scratched the surface of what Norfolk’s nature reserves have to offer.  To discover more about each reserve and plan your visits, follow the links throughout this article to detailed guides.

Click here to browse many of Norfolk's nature reserves

---

Wondering What To Do In Norfolk?

---