In light of the Government’s ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown, Norfolk Wildlife Trust has reopened its visitor centres today with the same Covid measures in place as last year. The Trust is providing takeaway refreshments and visitors will be able to use outside seating for refreshments.
Boat trips at Ranworth and Hickling broads has also started again today, with a maximum of two households per trip (including any members of a social support bubble). Hides will remain closed until 17 May or such a date when step 3 is achieved, the exception will be Weeting Heath when we will allow single household access to hides which need to be pre-booked (see link below).
On 17 May we plan to re-open indoor seating at the centres for those having refreshments, and to re-start engagement activities and events programme in line with social contact restrictions. Please keep an eye on the What’s On section on the website for up to date details on which events are taking place.
Interim Chief Executive of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Nik Khandpur said: “We are now looking forward to welcoming our members and visitors back to the visitor centres and boat trips in a gradual way, and restarting our popular events programme in line with Government requirements. We have many fantastic nature reserves across the county and we hope that our visitors also consider these as great ways to enjoy wildlife.”
For all the Covid-19 latest information, including what to expect at visitor centres, please visit our coronavirus page.
Hickling Broad and Marshes
The Hickling Broad car park is open as usual. At NWT Hickling Broad we continue to have a one way route system in place around the reserve which allows for some alternate routes to be taken. Some small single access points have been closed currently. The access to Stubb Mill through the reserve from the Whiteslea track is wide enough accommodate a two way system but as always we request visitors to be mindful of safe social distancing. Normal reserve entry charges will apply.
Holme Dunes
NWT Holme Dunes car park is open as usual along with reserve access (although access along the hides path is closed currently).The first hide and the access route will open after step 3 is achieved, all other hides currently remain closed. The reserve entry point to the back of the dunes system will be open as normal. Normal reserve entry charges will apply once the hide re-opens.
Cley and Salthouse Marshes
All NWT car parks at NWT Cley and Salthouse Marshes are open as usual. Paths to hides are currently closed, all other routes on the reserve remain open as usual. There are no one way systems in place but we request that visitors remain mindful of social distancing guidelines. There will currently be no reserve entry fee at Cley as this is so closely linked with the access routes and entry to the hides which will open when step 3 is achieved.
Ranworth Broad and Marshes
The NWT carpark will open alongside the visitor centre opening. There is a partial one way system in place and passing spaces along the board walk but we request that visitors remain mindful of social distancing guidelines. The reserve is free to enter.
Weeting Heath
The NWT carpark will open alongside the visitor centre. There will be a limited hide opening from 12 April to single household entry which will be on a
pre booking basis. There is no one way system in place but we request that visitors remain mindful of social distancing guidelines. Normal reserve entry charges apply.
We look forward to now welcoming visitors to our centres once again.