A world of birds
Norfolk's unique position on the eastern side of the UK means it is one of the most prolific locations for birdlife. The diversity of the landscape and habitats attracts and shelters a range of breeding species, and its coastline facing the North Sea ensures a wealth of migrant visitors.
If birdwatching is your thing then Norfolk is the perfect place for a visit - whatever time of year.
|  | | Woodland birds
If you enjoy spotting birds in a woodland environment you will not be disappointed by the number of places to visit in Norfolk.
Foxley Wood is Norfolk's largest ancient woodland and believed to be over 6000 years old. The nature reserve, which is run by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, is 12 miles north of Norwich is full of flowers and butterflies as well as being a wonderful place for ornithologists.
High Lodge visitor centre is in the heart of Thetford Forest, Britain's largest lowland pine forest. Deep in the maze-like forest you can hope to see species including Nightjar, Crossbill, Woodlark and Tree Pipit.
Honeypot Wood, near Dereham, is another fine piece of Norfolk's remaining ancient woodland. It consists of a mixture of ash and oak and has had a history of coppice managing since records began.
| | Breckland birds
Weeting Heath near Thetford is THE foremost place to spot the Stone Curlew. This curious looking bird is notoriously fussy and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust uses sheep and rabbits to maintain the heaths which ensure it thrives here. Weeting has the highest Stone Curlew breeding success in the country. Other birds regularly seen on the reserve include Woodlark, Green Woodpecker, Spotted Flycatcher and Little Owl.
Wayland Wood, near Watton, is a small patch of ancient woodland and nature reserve which is probably the best place in the country to see Golden Pheasant.
East Wretham Heath near Thetford is a picturesque Breckland nature reserve with a rich mixture of heath, mysterious meres and aged, crooked pines. Spring is the best time to visit
| | | Birds of the Broads
Strumpshaw Fen is in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. A number of nature trails lead you through a variety of habitats including reedbeds and woodland. Marsh harriers can be spotted in the summer.
At Berney Marshes and Breydon Water you can experience the wide open spaces of grazing marshes and mudflats. There is a short nature trail and a viewing screen overlooking the marshes and boat trips are also available.
Hickling Broad is a stunning area of open water where you can spot osprey, spoonbill and avocet and at Cockshoot Broad you can walk around the boardwalk to get really close to birds and other wildlife.
| | Parks and gardens
Around Norfolk there are several parks and gardens which have been created to be especially appealing to birds of all kinds. They provide plenty of space to walk and includes trails which are accessible to people with restricted mobility.
Pensthorpe, near Fakenham, is a centre for wildfowl set in 500 acres of beautiful countryside. There are miles of peaceful nature trails to explore through ancient fen meadows, woodland and a superb series of lakes. Pensthorpe is home to Europe's finest collection of waterfowl including endangered exotic waterfowl from around the world.
The Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden at South Walsham comprises 180 acres of beautiful ancient woodland, water gardens and a private broad. From April to the end of October daily boat trips present a great opportunity for birdwatching and more than 92 species of bird have been spotted in the Fairhaven gardens. | | | | 
Useful Links
Wonderful wildlife
The Norfolk Wildlife Trust cares for large areas of the Norfolk countryside. Find out more here.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust
Keep an eye on birds
For more information on bird conservation have a look at the British Trust for Ornithology's web site.
BTO
Places to go
This site has lots of information about nature reserves throughout Norfolk, and beyond.
Birds of Britain
Protecting birds
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds works to protect birds and their habitat. You can click here to find out about RSPB nature reserves in Norfolk.
RSPB
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