NWT Cley Marshes

Internationally reputed as a premier birdwatching site. The view from the visitor centre across the Marsh to the sea is breathtaking.

What to look for: Spring/summer avocet, spoonbill, ringed plover, redshank, lapwing. Autumn/winter wigeon, pintail, brent goose. Year round bittern, marsh harrier, bearded tit, teal.

Facilities: The brand new environmentally friendly visitor centre (opening soon!) incorporates an observation area, interactive interpretation including a remote controllable wildlife camera, a café, and sales area. Four hides (with excellent wheelchair access) provide bird watching within metres of the pools where the birds congregate. Audio trail. Wildlife Detective Bumbags for children are free to hire. Boardwalk and information boards. Reserve leaflet.

Directions: NWT Cley Marshes is on the north Norfolk coast, on the A149 coast road, 6km north of Holt. The visitor centre and car park are easily accessible on the landward side of the road.

Opening: Nature reserve and visitor centre open year round, except Christmas Day, 10am to 5pm. (10am to 4pm 1 November to 1 March, call 01263 740008 for further details).There is a small charge for entry to the reserve; free for children and NWT members.

Access: Entrance is located directly across the A149 coast road from the car park.

Management aims: The water levels in the pools and reedbeds are regulated to ensure they are ideal for the resident birds, and reed is harvested every year to keep the reedbeds in good condition.

Did you know? NWT CleyMarshes was purchased in 1926 to be held 'inperpetuity as a bird breeding sanctuary'. It was NWT's first reserve and provided a blue print for nature conservation which has now been replicated across the UK.