Salthouse Heath is an impressive 99 hectare dry coastal heathland which was formed thousands of years ago by glacial deposits as part of the Cromer Ridge. The land rises steeply towards the coast, whilst undulating gently away southwards. Due to this topography and position, the site offers spectacular views, which are worth the visit alone.
The Heath is a rare mosaic of acid dry heath, dry acid grassland, dense gorse scrub and broad-leaved woodland, bounded by blackthorn.
The central areas and beside footpaths of the northerly sections are where you can find the majority of the rare acid dry heath. Islands of gorse scrub are surrounded by swathes of acid grassland and acid dry heath, supporting ling and bell heather, as well as the rarest species on site, namely the Red Data Book listed May lily and the fascinating parasitic dodder. Another rarity is the nationally scarce mossy stonecrop, found in a small car park off the Holt Road. Heath Milkwort is also present and is most often found in the open areas to the north of Holt Road. Other plant species of to look out for include heath bedstraw, tormentil, sheep’s sorrel and wood sage. Narrow verges around the crossroads on the heath are also diversity hotspots with small patches of wild basil, slender St John’s wort, lesser stitchwort, long-stalked cranesbill, Lady’s bedstraw, and germander speedwell all be found within the grass strips.
Oak and birch woodland forms a large part of the southern half of the site, with ash, holly and rowan occasionally making an appearance. As you travel north, blackthorn scrub begins to take hold, and as you near the steep boundary slopes toward the coast, gorse and sycamore dominate the landscape, within which you can occasionally find bluebells and foxgloves underfoot, in contrast to the open grassland plants found further south.
Salthouse Heath is not just a gem for plants, it also provides homes and habitats for whole suite of wildlife. Notable species to spot include: adder, common lizard, brown hare, roe deer and uncommon bird species such linnet, tree creeper, kestrel, red kite, buzzard and the turtle dove. There is also an array of invertebrates supported by the heathland, including some stunning butterflies such as green and purple hairstreaks, small heath, grayling and small copper. The heath also boasts the first Norfolk record of Marchandiomyces coralline, an unusual lichen parasite, along with another uncommon species, the brittlegill ‘toadstool’.
Due to its unsuitability to agriculture, the site boasts a wealth of archaeological remains, with 11 scheduled monuments (mainly to the south), including one of the most important Bronze Age cemeteries in Norfolk. Also present is a complex World War II site and radar station, with remains of buildings and defensive structures, most noticeable in the north of the heath.
Habitats
Acid dry heath, Acid grassland, scrub and broad-leaved woodland.
Best time to visit
There is something to see any time of year but to see the greatest diversity of flowering plants, birds and invertebrates the best time to visit is late spring – late summer. The optimum time to try and spot basking reptiles and playful hares is early spring.
Associated groups
The Salthouse Trustees
Website
http://www.salthouseparishcouncil.org/salthouse-heath-trustees.html