NWT Hickling Broad NNR

The largest expanse of open water in the Broads system, with a great deal to see on foot or by boat.

What to look for: Spring/summer swallowtail butterfly, Norfolk hawker dragonfly. Hobby. Yellow flag, marsh orchid. Autumn/winter cranes, shoveler, teal, goldeneye. Year round bittern, marsh harrier, pochard, water rail, Cetti’s warbler.

NWT Hickling Broad Raptor Roost
From October to March the raptor roost at Stubb Mill, Hickling provides excellent views of raptors as they fly in to roost. Visitors are reminded that there is no parking at the ‘roost’. Please park at NWT Hickling Broad car park and walk from there (approx 1km). Birds you are likely to see include marsh harriers, hen harriers, merlins, cranes and pink footed geese. Visitors are advised to watch from the viewing area for your own safety. During winter weekends staff and volunteers may be available to answer questions about the area and its birds. If you would like to join our volunteer team at Hickling raptor roost, please click here.

Facilities: Visitor centre and toilets (one with wheelchair access), interpretive displays and refreshments. Birdwatching hides overlooking pools. Boardwalk with way-marked trails suitable for wheelchairs, information boards and reserve leaflet. Wildlife Detective Bumbags for children are free to hire. Water Trail (additional charge, available summer only) takes you by boat across open water, through reeds to the base of the Tree Tower. From the top of the Tower is an amazing view of the Broads and coast. The Tree Tower is accessible only on the Water Trail.

Opening: Nature reserve open year round 10am to 5pm. There is a small charge for entry; free for children and NWT members. The visitor centre is open April to September. Call 01692 598276 during season for further information.

Directions: NWT Hickling Broad is approximately 4km south of Stalham off the A149 Stalham to Caister-on-Sea road. It is clearly signposted - from Hickling village follow the ‘brown badger ’ tourist signs into Stubb road and on to the nature reserve.
Postcode: NR12 OBW

Access: Entrance is via the car park and visitor centre.

Management Aims: NWT Hickling Broad benefited from a £650,000 restoration in the late 1990s. The grazing of hardy Eastern European ponies, cattle and sheep is essential in keeping the restored areas of the nature reserve clear of invasive vegetation. Reed and sedge beds are regularly mown and water levels maintained at optimum for the wading and breeding birds.

Did you know? HRH The Prince of Wales came here in 2001 to see the results of the restoration.