In celebration of our centenary, with the help of colleagues, I’ve compiled a list of 100 species iconic to Norfolk. Some are nationally, or even internationally, scarce. A few aren’t found anywhere else in the UK. Others are part of conservation success stories, or species that are a ‘must see’ in Norfolk. This list is a snapshot of our county’s wildlife in 2026; the common and familiar to the exceptional and rare. It ranges from a tiny obscure reedbed moth to our large spectacular grey seal colonies.

Here are the ‘Top Ten’ to spot during our centenary year. All are celebrated as conservation successes for the county and can be seen, with patience, on at least one of our nature reserves. You may want to challenge yourself and try to find more – if so, head to our website for the full 100 list. However, it is important to point out that some of the species are endangered, in sensitive areas, or protected by law and must not be disturbed.

How many of our 100 species can you find? Aim to spot our Top Ten or set out on an adventure to see, hear or learn about even more! Find more information on how to take part here.

Common crane

The UK’s tallest bird has long legs and a long neck, with powder-grey plumage and a distinctive black, white, and red head.

It was driven to extinction in the UK many hundreds of years ago. Since its surprise return as a breeding bird to the Norfolk Broads in the 1980s, it has made a steady recovery and can now be found across the East of England. A breeding and release programme in the Somerset Levels has helped boost the population.

It favours undisturbed marshes and fens, preferring reed beds for nesting. It can be seen all year round and is best observed from the Raptor Roost at NWT Hickling Broad and Marshes.

Fen mason wasp

A solitary wasp with a shiny black body and distinctive ivory marks on its shoulders and abdomen.

The species was thought to be extinct in Britain until its rediscovery in the Norfolk Broads in 1986. Its population has grown, but it is still largely concentrated in the Broads, although fen mason wasps have been found along the coast of Suffolk and Essex.

Found in fens and marshy areas, it requires dry, compacted bare and exposed ground to build its characteristic tunnels with ‘chimneys’ at the entrance. Pathways seem to be the most popular locations, so care must be taken to discover and protect the colonies. Spot this species at NWT Hickling Broad and Marshes in June and July.

Norfolk hawker

This large brown dragonfly with clear wings is distinguished by its unique green eyes.

Today, this species is much more common than a few decades ago and even found in small garden ponds. Better water quality and climate change may be factors for its increase.

It can be found on the wing in June and July at all NWT Broadland reserves.

Bittern

A streaky brown heron, that’s more often heard than seen. Hiding deep in the reed beds, it delivers a loud far-carrying ‘booming’ call.

The bittern became extinct in the UK, but in the early 20th century returned to breed at Hickling Broad and Marshes nature reserve. Its numbers have fluctuated since then, nearly becoming extinct as a breeding bird in the 1970s. Recent habitat improvements and reed bed creation have seen numbers and distribution around the UK significantly improve.

Breeding in large stands of reed, it can now be found at NWT Hickling Broad all year round but visit in early spring to hear the booming males.

Swallowtail butterfly

The UK’s largest butterfly, it is very colourful, and arguably our most beautiful.

Habitat loss and butterfly collectors initially caused the species to decline. However, better protection, education, habitat improvement and reed bed creation work has increased its population over the last 100 years. However, it remains a threatened butterfly. The caterpillar of this butterfly feeds exclusively on milk parsley, an equally rare plant of East Anglian reed beds. Best seen at NWT Hickling Broad, Upton Fen and Ranworth Broad in late May–June.

Milk parsley

Belonging to the umbellifer (carrot) family, its green leaves resemble carrot tops. The plant flowers from July to September producing clusters of small white flowers.

Drainage in the 19th century and scrub invasion in the 20th century restricted the plant’s prime habitat. Reedbed creation and a return to traditional reed harvesting has seen an increase in its population. However, mildew/fungal disease is currently having a detrimental effect at some sites. The plant is restricted to East Anglia, and the Norfolk Broads remain its main stronghold. It can be found across all NWT Broadland reserves, but alongside boardwalks at NWT Hickling Broad is a particularly good place to look.

Silver-studded blue

The silver-studded blue is a small, but dazzling, butterfly, which gets its name from the pale blue reflective scales on the underside of the hindwings. The upper wings of the male are shimmering blue with a dark outer rim. The female is chocolate brown, but often with a hint of blue at the base of the wings.

It is a nationally rare butterfly, generally found in heathland habitats that have shorter, sparsely vegetated areas. Despite once disappearing from Norfolk, a successful reintroduction project has seen it thriving on several of the county's heathlands. NWT Buxton Heath nature reserve is one of the best UK sites for the species. This butterfly emerges in June and is usually on the wing until late August.

Fen orchid

A small, waxy-green orchid. The flowers are a pale, yellow-green and spiky with a tongue-shaped lip. The careful conservation management of its favoured sites, including translocation projects has seen the fen orchid expand its range, as well as its population. From a few dozen flowering plants, the annual count is now in the thousands.

Growing in moss and flowering in June, this orchid requires a particular type of poor fen which can be found at NWT Upton Fen. Please remain on the paths and observe only plants marked out by staff.

Stone curlew

Although a wader, it is not related to true curlews; it has a short bill and belongs to the ‘thick-knee’ family. ‘Stonies’ are pigeon-sized birds, with brown and sandy plumage that forms excellent camouflage. Its large yellow eyes are useful for a predominantly nocturnal lifestyle.

The stone curlew suffered population decline as agricultural practices became more mechanised and intensive. They have remained a conservation challenge due to nest predation and habitat loss; however, the population appears to be holding steady. NWT Weeting Heath has been, for decades, the go-to place for birdwatchers to see this strange bird from April through to August.

Marsh harrier

A raptor with a long tail and broad wings. The male has streaked brown plumage with grey wing panels and black tips. The female is chocolate brown with a cream-coloured head.

A hundred years ago only a handful of marsh harriers bred, confined to the Norfolk Broads. It is now found right across eastern and southern England, with recent breeding success in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Formally only a summer visitor, the marsh harrier can now be found year-round. It can often be spotted over large stretches of reedbed. Our Raptor Roost at NWT Hickling Broad nature reserve offers great views of marsh harrier in winter.