North Norfolk Wildlife Watching & Bird Watching  

One Stop Nature Shop

The team at One Stop Nature Shop are a great source of information about wildlife watching and bird watching on the beautiful North Norfolk Coast. And a great place to get all the equipment you need to see that wildlife in the best possible way.

Right next door to Deepdale, on the Dalegate Market site, they are easily accessible for a quick visit or longer consideration of that perfect set of binoculars.

They also have equipment for hire, please ask at the shop.

Tel: 01485 211223
dalegatemarket.co.uk

National Trust Brancaster Beach & Harbour

Iconic coastline famous for its sandy beach with large sand dunes, and salt marsh harbour. The sand spit Scolt Head Island is to the North. The harbour was once a busy cargo port until the 1800s, and now has a thriving fishing industry alongside recreational pleasure craft.

nationaltrust.org.uk

Natural England Scolt Head Island

Prime example of an offshore barrier island in the UK. It is situated on a dynamic coastline and is steadily growing westward. The saltmarshes are considered to be among the finest in the UK and are the best documented and researched in the world. The island supports nationally and internationally important numbers of breeding terns (sandwich, common, arctic and little) and wintering wildfowl, and waders such as brent geese, shelduck, wigeon, teal and curlew. The plant communities of the dunes and saltmarshes are classic examples of their type. Vegetated shingle 'lows' contain plant species of national importance such as matted sea lavender and sea heath.

www.gov.uk

Welcome Ferry - jejmarine.wixsite.com

Holkham National Nature Reserve and Beach

Delight in one of the most unspoilt, natural, and beautiful stretches of sand in the country, along with the many fascinating habitats and rare species of flora and fauna that make up the Holkham National Nature Reserve. You’ll be amazed by the windswept tidelines, infinite vistas, grazing marshes, maze of creaks and saltmarsh; hear the rustle of the dunes and the sway of the pines and feel at home at Holkham.

holkham.co.uk

RSPB Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve

Located on the north coast of Norfolk, between the villages of Titchwell and Thornham, Titchwell Marsh is blessed with diverse habitats that include reedbeds, saltmarsh and freshwater lagoons where avocets, bearded tits and marsh harriers nest. There's also a wide sandy beach here, which offers extensive views across The Wash.

rspb.org.uk

Seal Hospital at Hunstanton Sealife Centre

The Wash and surrounding areas along the Norfolk coast is home to two species of seal - Common Seals and Grey Seals. The population of Common Seals here alone has the greatest density than anywhere else in the country. Since opening the seal hospital in 1989, they have helped rescue and rehabilitate more than 750 seals.

getyourguide.com

RSPB Snettisham Nature Reserve

Wildlife observation hides give panoramic views across the saline lagoons, salt marsh and the vast expanse of mudflats that make up The Wash. On the biggest high tides from late summer onwards, tens of thousands of wading birds take flight as the incoming tide pushes them off the vast mudflats. We call this the 'whirling wader spectacle', a special event which doesn't happen everyday. Before travelling to the reserve to see this spectacle, we'd highly recommend you check our Snettisham Spectaculars Dates and Times Guide found in the downloads section below.

rspb.org.uk

Norfolk Wildlife Trust Ringstead Downs

One of the largest remaining areas of chalk grassland in the county, this attractive, steep-sided valley supports a diverse range of plant and animal species. Many interesting plants can be found, as well as around twenty species of butterfly. Several nationally declining birds – yellowhammer, whitethroat and linnet – occur in good numbers.

norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk

Hawk and Owl Trust Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve

Located in the Wensum Valley in North Norfolk, the Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve welcomes you to our 200 acre site with 7 hides across a range of managed landscapes including meadow, wood, fen and wetland habitats. This popular reserve is fully accessible via its well-kept boardwalks and accessible hides.

sculthorpe.hawkandowltrust.org

Norfolk Wildlife Trust Holme Dunes

At Norfolk's northwest corner, where The Wash meets the North Sea, Holme Dunes is superbly located to attract migrating birds. It holds a variety of important habitats which support numerous other wildlife species including natterjack toads, butterflies and dragonflies, as well as a large number of interesting plants.

norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk

National Trust Stiffkey Marshes

Part of Blakeney National Nature Reserve, is home to one of the country's richest saltmarshes for wildlife. Flooded daily by the tide it is an important conservation area for breeding birds. Huge horizons and a vast open expanse of pristine saltmarsh, Stiffkey Marshes was acquired by the National Trust in 1976. The twisting muddy creeks that are flooded by the tide daily are a perfect haven for wildlife.

nationaltrust.org.uk

National Trust Blakeney National Nature Reserve

Spectacular wildlife and uninterrupted views of beautiful coastline. A four-mile shingle ridge and dune, backed by salt marsh and mudflats. Noted for Common and Grey seals in winter and terns in summer. Home to England's largest grey seal colony with over 4,000 pups born each winter.

nationaltrust.org.uk

Seal trips available from Beans Boats, Bishops Boats, J Beans, Ptarmigan and Temple

Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley and Salthouse Marshes

One of the country's most popular birdwatching sites, attracting more than 110,000 human visitors each year. The six hides (four of which are accessible via boardwalks) give fantastic views across pools and scrapes that are specially managed to attract breeding and passage birds. The award-winning visitor centre features interactive interpretation, regularly changing exhibitions, and a well-stocked gift and book shop.

norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk

Pensthorpe

Packed with habitats, teeming with flora and fauna, species-rich, this is an internationally recognised nature reserve. There are bird hides, unique habitats, enchanting wildflowers and many different walking routes. Explore wetlands, hedgerows, woodland, riverbanks, farmland and water meadows, all from easy-to-follow trails.

pensthorpe.com

The Wash National Nature Reserve

The reserve is a mix of open deep water, permanent shallow water, mudflats and saltmarsh, representing one of Britain's most important winter feeding areas for waders and wildfowl.
The Wash NNR comprises Kirton Marsh, Terrington St Clement Marsh, Point Green and the North Wootton Marsh. It's a valuable breeding zone for birds like the redshank and supports one of the largest common seal populations in England.
The Wash is one of England's last great wildernesses, a place where you can enjoy true tranquillity, as well as the excitement of some of England's great wildlife spectacles.
One of the largest colonies of Common Seals in the UK, possibly the world, is in the Wash. This area has a large expanse of shallow tidal sandbanks and is fed by four large tributaries. There are currently over 3,000 common seals in The Wash.

gov.uk & PDF Flyer

Boat trips available from Sea Tours

Area guide Sail The Wash

Wild Ken Hill

A project to restore nature, fight climate change, and grow healthy food across a coastal farm in West Norfolk. Engaging people with the natural environment, and working for the local economy and communities. Wild Ken Hill is returning land to nature and farming sustainably in coastal west Norfolk, using rewilding, regenerative farming, and traditional conservation practices side-by-side in a unique, innovative approach.

wildkenhill.co.uk

Dersingham Bog National Nature Reserve

The Natural England wood reserve is part of the Sandringham Royal Estate, and comprises three distinct habitats: mire, heath and woodland. The woodland is quite recent and contains Scots pine, oak, sweet chestnut, sycamore and birch. The woodland glades attract birds such as redpoll, crossbill, and sparrowhawk.

woodlandtrust.org.uk

Norfolk Wildlife Trust Foxley Wood

In early spring pale yellow primroses peek out from the banks of ditches, a prelude to the riot of colour to follow in mid/late April to early May (varying year to year) when bluebells carpet the woodland floor. Other interesting woodland plants and wildflowers such as dog's mercury, greater butterfly orchid, wood anemone, wild garlic and herb-paris can also be found, as well as the locally scarce wild service-tree. In total over 350 flowering plant species have been recorded.

norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk

North Norfolk Chalk Reef

'Britain's Great Barrier Reef' - Just off the coast of Sheringham and Cromer, a few feet under the sea, is the longest chalk reef in the world, stretching for over twenty miles. Created when dinosaurs ruled the earth, and its so close to the shore you could skim a stone out to it. The reef is just 25ft under the sea's surface and has now been made a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs. With an area of 315sq km it's larger than the Broads National Park.

gov.uk

Photos by Chris Taylor - christaylorphoto.co.uk

Holt Country Park

100 acres of mixed woodland and is a Green Flag award winner. Open all year round for the public to enjoy. It is situated on the edge of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Tranquil woodland, dominated with Scots pines and native broadleaves, orchids in the summer to snowdrops in the winter. The rich ground flora supports an abundant array of wildlife including goldcrests, greater spotted woodpeckers and deer, amongst many others.

north-norfolk.gov.uk

Bawsey Country Park

In the heart of West Norfolk, hidden in a sea of nature just outside King's Lynn, lies Bawsey Country Park. Originally created by sand quarrying operations, the terrain is undulating, covering over 180 acres including lush woodland and sparkling lakes. The perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

bawseycountrypark.co.uk

National Trust Sheringham Park

Wander through Sheringham Park and you'll discover why it became the personal favourite of its designer, Humphry Repton. Famous for its vast collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, today, you can climb to the top of the two viewing towers at Gazebo to experience breathtaking views of this beautiful landscape, the North Norfolk coast and maybe a steam train passing through. Spend a day here exploring 1000 acres of varying habitat including woodland, parkland and cliff top. Look out for wildlife, 3 species of deer can be seen alongside a wide variety of birds and butterflies.

nationaltrust.org.uk

Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

Set in 170 acres of breathtaking woodland, grassland and lakes, our award-winning nature reserve in Norfolk is dedicated to the conservation of endangered deer, antelope and birds and home to the most varied collection of deer and antelope in Europe, free to roam at their will. Watatunga offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for visitors to experience expert-led safari tours, in fully-accessible self-drive buggies. A chance to explore the stunning scenery and see the animals in what is as close to their natural environment as possible, grazing on rich grasslands, drinking at the lakeside or concealing themselves amidst the ferns and woodland floor.

watatunga.co.uk

RSPB Lakenheath Fen Nature Reserve

Head to Lakenheath Fen and see how the RSPB has transformed former carrot fields into a wetland home for kingfishers, common cranes, otters and water voles. Where once there was farmland, now there is a vast stretch of reedbeds and grazing marshes bursting with life, as well as rich woodlands that come alive with song in spring. 500 hectares of reedbeds, grazed fenland and wet grasslands where wildlife abounds.

rspb.org.uk