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Description
Surprisingly, given its proximity to Norwich city centre, Thorpe St. Andrew's Broad (locally referred to as Thorpe Marshes) is an excellent place to see a variety of bird species, some of which you might not expect in such an urban setting. The reserve consists of a short circular walk, including a viewpoint over the lake, and bridge crossing a railway to access the reserve.
Throughout the year, Thorpe Marshes is home to a variety of common wetland birds including Knopsvane, Gråand, Knarand and Toppet Lappedykker. The reedbed holds Cettisanger and Rørspurv, while Vestlig Sortstrubet Bynkefugl may be adorning the tops of bushes in the marshland area. The river offers chances to see Isfugl on any visit to the site. At dawn and dusk, Slørugle may be sighted hunting around the reserve.
In winter, the lake (broad) make hold Troldand, Hvinand, Krikand, Skeand and Lille Lappedykker. In periods of colder weather, Stor Skallesluger, Lille Skallesluger and Sorthalset Lappedykker may put in appearances for lucky spotters, as well as Rørdrum . The marshland will hold good numbers of Dobbeltbekkasin and even a few Enkeltbekkasin, although these will be difficult to find. A few Engpiber will also be found here.
It is sometimes worth wandering up the river to Thorpe Green, where familes feed the ducks and gulls. Have a look through groups of Hættemåge and Stormmåge for colour-ringed birds from eastern europe. Wildfowl including Nilgås will also be seen here.
In spring, there is always a chance of finding a rarer visitor on the broad including Sortand, Havterne, Dværgmåge and Sortterne, while Fjordterne are expected to be seen from April onwards. Large number of feeding hirundines congregate over the broad, including Digesvale, Landsvale and Bysvale, usally joined by Mursejler in May.
The marshland fills with the sound of singing warblers in April and May, including Munk, Gransanger, Sivsanger, Rørsanger, Tornsanger and smaller numbers of Løvsanger, Gærdesanger and even Græshoppesangercan be heard! Both Kærsanger and Savisanger have been recorded at the site, but are very rare.
In the summer and autumn, Lærkefalk may be seen feeding over the reserve, and expect large numbers of Grågås in the area. Waders may be found at the broad, including Strandskade and Mudderklire if the water levels are low. You may encounter the local Alexanderparakit population at Thorpe Green, which are slowly increasing in the area.
Details
Access
To access the reserve, walk along Whitlingham Lane, located at the traffic light junction with Yarmouth Road. At the end of this short road there is a footbridge over the railway line which gives access to the reserve. Please note there is no parking on Whitlingham Lane. The site is easily reached via bus from Norwich city centre. The paths can often be muddy and flooded so wellingtons are recommended in the winter months.