Roydon Common

Ancient and beautiful, NWT Roydon Common is the largest surviving open heath in west Norfolk – a relic of the ancient grazing areas that once covered much of this part of the county.

Long recognised for its landscape and wildlife importance, it was designated a National Nature Reserve (NNR) in 1995. With sweeping views, primaeval bogs, heather-clad heaths and walks along ancient drove-ways, this nature reserve has an atmosphere of real wildness. In summer the heath buzzes with colour and heat, and is wild and windswept in winter.

Part of the Gaywood Valley Living Landscape.

Click here to download the reserve leaflet for points of interest (0.5mb).

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

Reserve information and details
What to see at Roydon Common

Opening times

Season	Opening Days	Opening Hours
Year round	Everyday	Dawn till dusk

Prices

There is no charge for access to this reserve.

Directions and Transport

NWT Roydon Common is east of King’s Lynn. Leave King’s Lynn on the A149 to Fakenham and turn off at the Rising Lodge roundabout. Take the A148 to Fakenham for 300m and turn right towards Roydon. Two car parks are available on the right - 1km along, and 2.7km along.

Entrance via the two car parks on the Rising Lodge to Grimston road at map references: TF 681230 and TF 698229

Facts

Type:	dry and wet heath, fen and bog, acid grassland, carr and woodland
Size:	190 Hectares
Designation:	NNR, SAC, SSSI, Ramsar
Map reference:	OS Landranger 132
Grid reference:	Western car park - TF 680229, eastern car park - TF 698229

Did you know?

NWT Roydon Common is the largest remaining heath in WestNorfolk. In the past, the eastern section was vulnerable to outbreaks of fire caused by sparks from passing steam trains before the railway running across the heath was dismantled.

Facilities

Information boards and way-marked trails.

Visitor centre

What to look for

Spring/summer

cotton grass, cranberry, bog mrytle, cross-leaved heath, bog asphodel, all three species of British sundew, heather, sheep’s sorrel, harebell, black darter Dragonfly.