One of the largest areas of common land in south Norfolk, with over 150 species of flowering plants recorded. Most notable is a population of green-winged orchid, amongst the largest in Norfolk, which provides a stunning display in May and June.
New Buckenham Common is semi-natural grassland, traditionally managed by cattle grazing. A number of ponds are found here, the largest of which is Spittle Mere where great crested newts have been recorded.
The whole Common is open to public access and is well used, especially by local people. It became a nature reserve in 1984, when the then Lord of the Manor of New Buckenham, Tony Hamerton, sold it to Norfolk Wildlife Trust for £5 – the proceeds being spent in the King’s Head shortly afterwards!
Dog policy:
Open access, but walkers must keep dogs on a short lead March-July to avoid disturbance to ground-nesting birds. Outside this period walkers are requested to keep dogs under tight control or on a lead to avoid disturbance to livestock when present.