Despite its small size, Scarning Fen is internationally important for its species-rich alkaline fen, of which it is one of the very best examples in the UK. There are a number of rare species present, including the nationally rare liverwort, a number of other mosses and several plant species. It is also the only Norfolk site for the small red damselfly.
NWT acquired the site in 1961, although part of the northern section of the fen was sold in the 1970s to the Highways Agency for the construction of the A47 Dereham Bypass. It was fenced in 1999 to allow grazing by cattle.
Dog policy:
NWT no dogs policy on Scarning Fen. Public footpath between Potters and Scarning Fen. Unclear whether site owners permit dogs on Potters Fen but access is difficult in any case