Nature Reserves
Nature Reserves and Wildlife Centres in the Broads
Some of the broads themselves are nature reserves, for example Barton and Hickling Broads. There are many nature reserves in the Broads where you can see good examples of all the traditional Broads landscapes and the wildlife that lives there. Some have special trails, boat trips or other facilities. Some nature reserves hold events and activity days for children during the school holidays, for example the Suffolk Broads Wildlife Centre (pictured left) which is based at Carlton Marshes.
Dogs are allowed on public rights of way under close control but many do not allow them, so please check before visiting. Below is a list of nature reserves in the Broads. Open daily unless otherwise stated.
Alderfen Broad
Near Neatishead. Water lilies, wildfowl, dragonflies and damselflies.
Barton Broad
Second largest broad and site of the Broads Authority's millennium project - Clear Water 2000, which has restored the water quality and landscape of the broad. Boardwalk and boat trips on the Ra, a solar powered boat.
Berney Marshes
Huge expanse of grazing marshes, part of the Halvergate Marshes area. You can reach it by train from Norwich or Great Yarmouth (use Berney Arms Halt), or by footpath from Halvergate or Great Yarmouth.
Breydon Water
The confluence of the Rivers Yare and Waveney, before they join the River Bure to flow out to sea at Great Yarmouth. Good for geese, ducks and waders. RSPB runs boat trips. For dates and to book telephone 01603 715191 / 01493 700645.
Carlton Marshes
Suffolk Broads Wildlife Centre and walks across grazing marshes. Events, including children's activity days in school holidays. For details and visitors centre opening times telephone 01502 564250.
Cockshoot Broad
Near Woodbastwick, boarded walkway to bird hide overlooking the broad. Site of pioneering project to restore clear water and wildlife.
Hardley Flood
Near Loddon, seen from River Chet footpath. Permanently flooded, good for insects and birds.
Hickling Broad
Boarded walkway to the broad, walking and water trails and visitor centre. Reserve open daily 10-5. Centre open April-Sept daily 10-5. For details and to book for boat trips telephone 01692 598276.
Horsey Mere
Open water, reed-beds and grazing marshes. Wildfowl sanctuary of international importance.
Hoveton Great Broad
Trail through carr woodland on the edge of the broad. Reached by water only, with moorings on the River Bure beside entrance. Open 9 April-14 Sept Sun-Thurs 10-5.
How Hill
Near Ludham, walking trail and water trail on the 'Electric Eel' through open water, fen, grazing marsh and carr woodland. There are 3 windpumps on the reserve. Open: 1 April to 31 May and 1-31 Oct, daily 10.30-5; 1 June to 30 September, daily 9.30-6. To book for the 'Electric Eel' Water Trail telephone 01692 678763.
Ludham Marshes
National nature reserve near Womack Water.
North Cove
Near Beccles. Grazing marsh, wet woodland and pools.
Oulton Marshes
The marshes are reached by path from Oulton Church.
Ranworth, Broads Wildlife Centre
Nature trail through woodland and fen to open water and wildlife centre floating on a pontoon on Ranworth Broad. Nature trail open all year. Boat trips on Ranworth Broad. Centre open: April-Oct daily 10-5. For details and to book for boat trips telephone 01603 270479.
Strumpshaw Fen
Reed-beds, grazing marshes and woodland along banks of River Yare. Walking trails, hides and information centre. Open: daily dawn to dusk. Closed 25 Dec.
Surlingham Church Marsh
Former grazing marsh with pools, dykes and summer marsh and meadow flowers. Circular walk and bird hides - best for birds in spring.
Upton Fen
Walks through tangled fen and woodland, close to Upton Broad. Open all year.
Wheatfen, Ted Ellis Nature Reserve
Near Surlingham, open fen, reed-beds, alder and willow woodlands with two small broads and over 3 miles of nature trail, some parts suitable for wheelchairs. Open: daily dawn to dusk. Some paths may be closed due to periodic flooding.
