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NWT Hickling Broad

East Anglia  >  United Kingdom

The largest of the Broads, NWT Hickling Broad is a year-round haven for wildlife. It is an essential place to visit if birding Norfolk!

Aggiunto* da Chris Miles
Ultimo aggiornamento 14 febbraio 2022

Descrizione

Hickling Broad is situated on the Upper Thurne river system, which holds a significant percentage of the UK population of Gru as well as important breeding numbers of Tarabuso, Falco di palude, Basettino and Usignolo di fiume. You can see any of these species throughout the year. Interesting mammals at the site include the introduced Chinese Water Deer, as well as native Roe Deer and Red Deer. Keen observers may also find Otter and Water Vole (although both are more difficult to spot).

In winter, large numbers of Falco di palude roost in the reedbed north east of Stubb Mill (see Stubb Mill listed as a seperate site on BirdingPlaces). Both Smeriglio and Albanella reale are can be seen around the reserve for lucky observers. Brendan's Marsh, on the eastern side of the reserve, will be packed with wildfowl including Alzavola, Fischione, Mestolone and more! Waders including Beccaccino and Pavoncella will also be found here. A keen eyed birder may also notice a Spioncello feeding on the muddy banks. On Hickling Broad itself, look out for diving ducks including Moretta, Moriglione and Quattrocchi. There may also be Moretta grigia, Smergo maggiore and even Pesciaiola following harsher winter conditions.

In the summer, the reedbeds are alive with the sounds of warblers including Cannaiola, Forapaglie comune and Forapaglie macchiettato. You may also find Cuculo, Luì grosso and Sterpazzola around the reserve. The reserve may soon be home to Spatola and Airone bianco maggiore year round, as they seem likely to be future colonisers here, but both species can be seen on the reserve during the summer months. The wetland will be busy with dragonfly and butterfly activity, including the rare Swallowtail butterfly! Making the most of the insects will be Lodolaio, which will be swooping over the reeds in search of prey. Look out for Marzaiola, Corriere piccolo and Avocetta on Brendan's Marsh.

In spring and autumn, Hickling Broad can be a fantastic place to experience wader passage, with Brendan's Marsh and Swim Coots scrapes being the best locations to see this (the latter only accessible via one of the NWT's Hickling Broad boat trips). Expect to find Piovanello pancianera andCorriere grosso on Brendan's Marsh, as well as Piro piro culbianco, Pantana and other long-distance migrants. Scarcities here have included Piro piro boschereccio, Gambecchio comune, Gambecchio nano, Piovanello comune, Piovanello pettorale and maybe even more!

The reserve is a hotspot for rarities, and in recent springs, Airone rosso, Pernice di mare, Cavaliere d'Italia, Falco cuculo, Gruccione and Salciaiola have all been seen! You never know what you may find here.

Dettagli

Accesso

From Hickling village follow the signs to the nature reserve. There is a large car park (grid ref TG 428 221), visitor centre and toilets. There is disabled car parking provision and a rough surface leading to the centre where there is a disabled toilet, hearing loop and a wheelchair available. From the visitor centre there are a number of accessible trails, both compacted hoggin or boardwalk which give easy access to two hides as part of a circular route.

The Norfolk Wildlife Trust organise boat trips as an alternative way to experience the reserve, and is the only way to access Swim Coots hide and scrape. Look on the Norfolk Wildlife Trust's website for more details and to book a boat trip with them.

Terreno e habitat

Zona umida , Lago , Terreni coltivati , Canneti , Alberi e cespugli sparsi

Caratteristiche dell’area

Terreno piano , Paesaggio aperto , Paludoso

Percorso ad anello

Si

È utile un cannocchiale?

Può essere utile

Buona stagione per il BW

Tutto l'anno

Miglior periodo per visitare

Migrazione autunnale , Migrazione primaverile , Inverno , Estate , Primavera , Autunno

Percorso

Sentiero ampio

Grado di difficoltà del percorso a piedi

Facile

Modalità di accesso

A piedi , Barca

Capanno/torretta di osservazione

Si

Link

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Mappa

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