Discover West Norfolk
The West Norfolk coast & countryside is arguably the best bird watching area in the UK. It provides a rich variety of habitat which is ideal for many species of birds and other wildlife.
There are several major bird reserves within easy local reach, such as Titchwell and Snettisham RSPB reserves.
The Wash is a favourite area for waders including Knot and Oystercatchers.
Spring provides the best opportunity to see a variety of species, as the last of the winter visitors are still here and the countryside fills with summer birds. This is the best time to watch the marsh harrier's acrobatic flying as they hunt their prey on the wing.
Autumn brings the spectacle over 100,000 Pink footed Geese to West Norfolk from Iceland. (allowing for the volcanic ash cloud) At dawn they fly inland from their roosts on the mudflats, to feed on arable fields. The site of thousands of Geese flying in wave after wave of ever changing vee formations is truly breathtaking.
The walker who takes the cross country route from Ashdene House to Dersingham & Snettisham bird hides could be rewarded as I was, with the sight of Marsh Harrier, Egret and a Barn Owl before I even reached the beach.
Here are just some of the species Birdwatchers can expect to find in this largely unspoilt and to many undiscovered corner of England.
- Migrating waders, warblers and the black tailed godwit - Welney Wetlands Centre
- Warblers and other summer visitors busy rearing young - Everywhere
- Knot returning from Greenland still in their breeding plumage - Snettisham
- At night, listen to nightjars churring on the heath - Dersingham
BBC Springwatch returns to Pensthorpe for 2010 Presenters Kate Humble and Chris Packham will be based on the estate near Fakenham, reporting on the latest wildlife drama from around the UK