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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 Knoppsvane, Stokkand, Snadderand and Toppdykker. The reedbed holds Cettisanger and Sivspurv, while Svartstrupe 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, Tårnugle may be sighted hunting around the reserve.
In winter, the lake (broad) make hold Toppand, Kvinand, Krikkand, Skjeand and Dvergdykker. In periods of colder weather, Laksand, Lappfiskand and Svarthalsdykker may put in appearances for lucky spotters, as well as Rørdrum . The marshland will hold good numbers of Enkeltbekkasin and even a few Kvartbekkasin, although these will be difficult to find. A few Heipiplerke 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 Hettemåke and Fiskemåke for colour-ringed birds from eastern europe. Wildfowl including Niland will also be seen here.
In spring, there is always a chance of finding a rarer visitor on the broad including Svartand, Rødnebbterne, Dvergmåke and Svartterne, while Makrellterne are expected to be seen from April onwards. Large number of feeding hirundines congregate over the broad, including Sandsvale, Låvesvale and Taksvale, usally joined by Tårnseiler 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, Møller and even Gresshoppesangercan be heard! Both Myrsanger and Sumpsanger have been recorded at the site, but are very rare.
In the summer and autumn, Lerkefalk may be seen feeding over the reserve, and expect large numbers of Grågås in the area. Waders may be found at the broad, including Tjeld and Strandsnipe if the water levels are low. You may encounter the local Halsbåndparakitt 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.