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Description
Barton Broad is the second largest inland waterbody in Norfolk, and has been owned by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust since 1945. The lake / broad was created by peat extraction in the middle ages. In the early 20th century the broad was heavily polluted, but since then, the river and broad have been cleaned up and wildlife is steadily returning to the area.
In winter, expect large number of Kvinand to be found on the broad, alongside smaller numbers of Toppand. Being such a large body of water, Barton Broad is less susceptible to freezing over in cold weather, and therefore in the harshest winter periods, local rarities including Lappfiskand, Bergand, Havelle, Svarthalsdykker and Islom may be found by lucky visitors. The wet woodland will hold Vannrikse and Rugde. Swans and Kortnebbgås may be seen flying over the reserve in noisy groups.
In spring, it is worth exploring the surrounding farmland between the car park and the boardwalk trail. You will likely encounter Gulspurv and Sivspurv in the hedgerows, while Dompap and Grønnfink may also be seen near the car park. In the wet woodland, Løvmeis, Trekryper and a variety of other common garden birds may be seen. The Toppdykker will be dancing on the broad, and Sivhauk may be seen dispalying overhead. You will probably find a few Makrellterne feeding over the Broad, but after periods of stormy weather, there is a reasonable chance of finding Rødnebbterne, Svartterne and Dvergmåke with them in April and May.
Summer is a quieter period for birding at Barton Broad, however, it is a good time to see Lerkefalk hawking over the broad. Keeping eyes to the sky, Musvåk and Spurvehauk may also be seen circling over the broad. Hirundines including Låvesvale and Sandsvale may be seen catching flying insects over the water.
Autumn visitors may have a chance of spotting Fiskeørn stopping over in the Norfolk Broads before its long migration back to West Africa. It is also a great time to spot Isfugl zooming up and down the Broad. This reserve is easily accessible, and suitable for birders of all abilities. A scope can be useful, as wildfowl on the broad are sometimes distant. There is a sightings book at the viewpoint, so you can see what others have seen in recent days.
Details
Access
There is a signed car park between the villages of Neatishead and Irstead, next to the Old Rectory. From here it is an easy 1km (0.6- mile) stroll to the start of the wooden boardwalk trail (which is suitable for wheelchairs). There is also a disabled car park with 3 - 4 spaces available at the start of the boardwalk. From the car park, the reserve is accessible via boardwalk, through wet alder woodland to a viewing platform with spectacular views overlooking Barton Broad.
During severe storms, the boardwalk may be closed due to risk of falling tree branches. Parts of the boardwalk may also be flooded after wet weather.