Yellow horned poppy, photo by David North

‘Don’t come yet’ plea from Norfolk Coast


Thursday 21 May, 2020


Severe lack of open car parks, toilets and catering facilities puts visitors and residents in the area of outstanding natural beauty at risk, Norfolk Coast Partnership says. 

Following the government’s announcement on Sunday 10 May that people can ‘drive to other destinations’, the people, communities and wildlife of the Norfolk Coast are asking visitors not to visit at the present time to avoid an influx in visitors over the forthcoming bank holiday weekend. 

The Norfolk Coast Partnership was set up to work in partnership with local communities and all relevant organisations to safeguard the special character of the area. Norfolk Wildlife Trust is a member and supports this plea to delay visiting the coast.

At Holme Dunes and Cley Marshes, all car parks, toilets, hides and visitor centres are closed. The nature reserve is also closed at Holme; the same applies for Cley, although there are footpaths still accessible. Full list of closures is available on our coronavrius page

With the severe lack of provision on the coast for visitors, there are fears that there will be traffic issues, and social distancing will be difficult to maintain. 

It is also a critical time of year for ground nesting birds, which are just settling down to nest and – taking advantage of lack of footfall – are often nesting in places they may not normally. A sudden influx of visitors puts the fragile nature of the coast at risk, as well as the local communities that live and work here. 

Estelle Hook, Manager of the Norfolk Coast Partnership said: “While it is not in the nature of the Norfolk Coast Partnership to encourage people to stay away, it is currently vital that we do so to ensure these special places are not overwhelmed. In many places on the coast there is not the infrastructure to support the necessary social distancing or to ensure that visitors have the facilities they would usually expect, such as car parks or toilets.” 

She added: “Partners across the coast have convened a working group to look at ways of making access as safe as possible going forward. The organisations responsible for looking after this wonderful coast continue to do so and are keen to welcome visitors back once facilities are open and working but at the present time it is safer to stay away.” 

Pamela Abbott, Chief Executive at Norfolk Wildlife Trust said: “NWT and other organisations are working hard to put safety measures in place for social distancing, protecting wildlife and reopening provisions such as car parks. This week NWT opened the car parks at seven nature reserves around Norfolk but at the moment we encourage you to enjoy your local outdoor spaces and come to the coast and the Broads when we are better able to welcome you.”
NWT
Share this

Top news stories

2024-02-19 Cromer goats join NWT! Cromer goats join NWT!
Monday 19 February, 2024
Twelve rare breed goats are settling into their new life with Norfolk Wildlife Trust after retiring from their conser...
2024-02-09 High-tech cows aid nature cons High-tech cows aid nature conservation at NWT Sweet Briar Marshes
Friday 09 February, 2024
Six rare breed cattle, sporting the latest in grazing technology, have been released at Norfolk Wildlife Trust's ...
2024-02-08 NWT Cley Marshes to host Rober NWT Cley Marshes to host Robert Gillmor retrospective
Thursday 08 February, 2024
Norfolk Wildlife Trust will host a retrospective exhibition of the work of renowned wildlife artist, Robert Gillmor, ...
2024-02-02 Population of UK’s tallest bir Population of UK’s tallest bird hits record-breaking high
Friday 02 February, 2024
Survey results show 2023 was another successful year for the Common Crane, with a record 80 pairs confirmed in the UK...
2024-02-01 National Lottery Heritage Fund National Lottery Heritage Funding to support our new 'Building Foundations for the Future' project
Thursday 01 February, 2024
We are delighted to announce that we have been granted an incredible £241,642 from The National Lottery He...
2024-01-19 UK Government authorises use o UK Government authorises use of bee-killing pesticide for sugar beet
Friday 19 January, 2024
'Emergency' authorisation to use a highly damaging neonicotinoid has today been approved by UK Government, de...
2024-01-04 £210,000 boost for west Norfol £210,000 boost for west Norfolk's wetland wildlife
Thursday 04 January, 2024
Norfolk Wildlife Trust opens the new year with an exciting new project making vital improvements to rare wildlife-ric...
2024-01-04 Our former leader, Brendan Joy Our former leader, Brendan Joyce OBE
Thursday 04 January, 2024
Everyone at Norfolk Wildlife Trust is deeply saddened to hear of the death of former Chief Executive Brendan Joyce OB...
2023-12-08 British Sugar fails to deliver British Sugar fails to deliver on 3-year plan to end use of banned neonicotinoids
Friday 08 December, 2023
Time's up! Minister urged to help sugar farmers go neonic-free and honour ban as deadline approaches to end relia...
2023-12-05 Western Link road planning dec Western Link road planning decision sparks outrage amongst environmental groups
Tuesday 05 December, 2023
Following yesterday’s announcement that Norfolk County Council has given the green light for a planning applica...
2023-11-14 Shared vision revealed for Nor Shared vision revealed for Norwich nature reserve
Tuesday 14 November, 2023
We have revealed the emerging long-term vision for our newest nature reserve Sweet Briar Marshes. Sketches,...
2023-11-06 We've purchased a popular Hick We've purchased a popular Hickling pub!
Monday 06 November, 2023
We have announced that we are the new owners of the Pleasure Boat Inn at Hickling Staithe.  ...