Update: Friday 27 March
We have made the decision to extend the closure of our visitor centres until
30 June 2020 and all events have been cancelled until
31 July 2020. We will be contacting those who have pre-booked to offer a refund.
Update: Thursday 26 March
More nature reserves have been added to the lists below.
Update: Wednesday 25 March
In light of the Government’s new measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus, we are closing completely the following nature reserves and car parks by Friday 27 March:
- COCKSHOOT BROAD — Boardwalk closed
- FOXLEY WOOD — Car park and nature reserve closed
- HOLME DUNES — Main track, car park and reserve closed. The coastal path across the site and beach remain accessible to pedestrians.
- HICKLING BROAD AND MARSHES — Car park and nature reserve closed.
- RANWORTH BROAD AND MARSHES — Boardwalk and car park in the village closed.
- THETFORD HEATH — Closed at this time of year due to breeding birds
- WEETING HEATH — Car park and nature reserve closed.
At the following nature reserves the car parks will be closed by Friday 27 March as well as hides on all our sites. These nature reserves remain accessible to people living locally and visiting on foot, in line with Government requirements on social distancing.
- BRETT'S WOOD
- CLEY AND SALTHOUSE MARSHES — East Bank, Beach and Visitor Centre car parks
- EAST WRETHAM HEATH
- LOWER WOOD, ASHWELLTHORPE
- NARBOROUGH RAILWAY LINE
- ROYDON COMMON AND TONY HALLATT MEMORIAL RESERVE
- TRINITY BROADS - car park at Rollesby bridge (not an NWT car park)
- UPTON BROAD AND MARSHES — Fen car park
- WAYLAND WOOD
These closures and reduced access will be in place until further notice. Thank you for your understanding in relation to these decisions, which we have thought really hard about and which have been made to best look after the health and safety of both our staff and visitors.
Update: Sunday 22 March
Following a review of the number of visitors to our nature reserves this weekend, and in support of Government advice, NWT is now considering closing some of our nature reserves, including some car parks. While we of course want to give people the opportunity to enjoy nature, it is vital we prioritise the wellbeing of our staff and play our part in helping to stop the spread of the virus. Meanwhile we continue to ask you to stay local and ensure you follow distancing and isolation as appropriate.
Time noticing nature in your garden or other outdoor space can also help relieve stress
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and improve mental wellbeing. We’ll be sharing
fun activities for families to enjoy and our fantastic webcams. Do look out for more in the coming days.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust would not be able to carry out the important work we do for wildlife without our supporters and we thank you all for your continued support and understanding during these exceptional times – and wish you all well.
Tuesday 17 March
Norfolk Wildlife Trust will keep nature reserves open but close its visitor centres and hides, and cancel events to help fight the spread of coronavirus in Norfolk.
In light of the Government’s announcement that unnecessary social contact and public spaces should be avoided, NWT will from today [Tuesday 17 March] be closing its visitor centres at
Cley and Salthouse Marshes and
Weeting Heath and delaying the summer season opening of its centres at
Holme Dunes,
Hickling Broad and
Ranworth Broad.
The Trust has also cancelled all events in March and April and will be contacting those who have pre-booked to offer a refund.
Chief Executive of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Pamela Abbott said: “For the health and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers, members and visitors, and in light of yesterday’s Government announcement, we will be closing all our visitor centres. We have also taken the difficult decision to cancel our programme of events and activities until the end of April. This includes family events such as dyke dipping and rockpooling; events run by our eight local groups; and all activities at visitor centres including walks and workshops. We will review the situation over the coming days and weeks. Thank you in advance for your support.”
Director of Nature Conservation, Kevin Hart added: “We appreciate that this is a very worrying time for everyone. The majority of nature reserves remain open and we will do all we can to continue providing access for people to Norfolk’s nature and open spaces.”
Stay close to nature
Many of our nature reserves remain open and provide excellent places to unwind and take in the fresh air away from crowds. During this difficult time, it is more important than ever to maintain a connection with the natural world.
We will update here as and when we receive further details. Thank you for your patience
- Cley Marshes - car park and beach car park are both open, but the hides and visitor centre are closed
- Weeting Heath - nature reserve and visitor centre are both closed
- Ranworth Broad - visitor centre is closed and there are no boat trips. We are confirming car park arrangements
- Hickling Broad - visitor centre and hides are closed and there are no boat trips. We are confirming car park arrangements
- Holme Dunes - visitor centre and hides are closed. There is beach access through the gate between 10am and 5pm