Nature & Wildlife

Norfolk is a paradise for nature-lovers

The North Norfolk Wildlife Trust offers brilliant information about nature reserves in North Norfolk. It is the oldest Wildlife Trust in the country. NWT now care for 40 nature reserves and other protected sites. These are some of their nature reserves:

Pigneys Wood 
Pigneys Wood provides an important wildlife refuge for many birds such as the goldcrest, nuthatch, Cetti’s warbler; insects such as red admiral, peacock and holly blue butterflies; dragonflies such as the emperor, migrant hawker, blacktailed skimmer and Norfolk hawker, and mammals such as otter, water vole and badger.

Cley Marshes
Internationally reputed as a premier birdwatching site. The view from the visitor centre across the Marsh to the sea is breathtaking.

Thursford Wood
The oaks here are some of the oldest in the county and could be over 500 years old. The dead branches and partially rotten trunks provide refuge for a stunning array of wildlife.

Hickling Broad
The largest expanse of open water in the Broads system, with a great deal to see on foot or by boat.

Martham Broad
This fabulous National Nature Reserve is one of the best sites in Broadland to see the swallowtail butterfly, as well as an array of birds.


Pensthorpe is a multi award-winning attraction situated in the beautiful North Norfolk countryside and provides a day of discovery and excitement.

“The wonderful gardens create year round spectacle of interest and colour. With 171 recorded wild bird species and many more that are part of the Pensthorpe Conservation Trust‘s captive breeding and educational programmes, Pensthorpe is an ideal location for both birdwatchers and casual observers.”

Southrepps Common is a nature reserve only 3 miles from Swafield Hall.

Horsey Mere has only 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.