Thorpe Marshes

NWT Thorpe Marshes is Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s first urban nature reserve. In 2011 NWT leased the site from Crown Point Estate, which manages the site on behalf of Arminghall Settlement Trustees. A circular footpath (public and permissive) allows walkers to enjoy all aspects of the reserve.

The 25 hectare site consists of dykes that support a wealth of Broadland plants, which in turn are home to many species of dragonflies and damselflies including Norfolk hawker. Cattle graze some areas of the marsh, and the reedbed supports a number of bird species including reed buntings and reed warblers. On St Andrew’s Broad, a variety of wildfowl can be seen, particularly in winter, including great crested grebe and gadwall.

Permissive circular footpath, with a viewing point overlooking the Broad. Car parking is very limited near the pedestrian footbridge.

What to look for

Spring / summer

green sandpiper, Cetti’s warbler, reed bunting, sedge warbler, reed warbler, common whitethroat, common tern, common frog, common toad, Norfolk hawker, orange-tip, brimstone, red admiral, water soldier, cuckoo flower, yellow flag iris

Autumn / winter

tufted duck, pochard, shoveler, wigeon, fieldfare, redwing, common snipe

All year round

Lapwing, great crested grebe, gadwall, mallard, mute swan, coot, moorhen, grey heron, black-headed gull, cormorant, kestrel, sparrowhawk