These former gravel workings attract a variety of ducks including shoveler, gadwall, mallard, pochard and tufted duck.
In winter these may be joined by goosander and, occasionally, goldeneye. The surrounding trees harbour good numbers of common woodland birds.
Grey wagtail
Sparham Pools is one of the better sites in Norfolk to see this attractive long-tailed grey and yellow bird. The bridge over the Wensum is a good spot from which to look for them.
Goosander
In winter, Sparham Pools can be a good site for this sleek diving-duck. Males have a dark green head and back that contrasts with the rest of their stunning pink-washed, creamy plumage.
Access
Sparham Pools are just northeast of Lyng village, on the minor Lyng Road, 1.25km (0.75 miles) south of the A1067.
There is a small car park 200m north of the bridge over the River Wensum. A circular path leads around the site.
Spring
Birds - Kingfisher, common tern
Plants - Yellow flag iris
Insects - Red-eyed damselfly, green hairstreak
Summer
Birds - Kingfisher, common tern
Plants - Yellow flag iris
Insects - Common, southern and migrant hawkers, red-eyed damselflies, purple and green hairstreak
Autumn
Birds - Kingfisher, pochard, shoveler, tufted duck, gadwall, little grebe
Insects - Southern hawker, migrant hawker, red-eyed damselflies
Winter
Birds - Kingfisher, pochard, shoveler, tufted duck, goldeneye, gadwall, goosander, little grebe, grey wagtail