Car park charges for some visitors will be introduced at Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Cley and Salthouse Marshes visitor centre car park from Monday 2 August. The income will contribute to the work required for the upkeep of car parks, footpaths and the conservation management of the nature reserve. It will also help with improving our understanding of who is using our site and how. Parking will be free for the following:
- Members of Norfolk Wildlife Trust
- Residents of Cley and Salthouse villages
- Non-members who purchase a ticket to the paid entry part of the nature reserve
- Non-members who are attending a paid event
- Blue badge holders
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions which we hope will answer any queries you have, but if not please ask at the visitor centre and we will be happy to help.
If I am a member of Norfolk Wildlife Trust or a resident of Cley or Salthouse, how do I get free parking?
Members: We have sent all adult members a temporary permit in our Spring 2021 mailing. Fill in your name/s and membership number and place this on your dashboard. When you next renew your membership, as well as membership cards we will send you an annual permit to replace the temporary one. Life members will be sent durable permits later this spring. If you need additional or replacement permits, please speak to the visitor centre reception.
Residents: Please show your proof of residence at the visitor centre reception where you will be issued with an annual NWT Car Park permit.
If I am purchasing a ticket to go on the paid entry part of the nature reserve or attending a paid event how do I get free parking?
When paying for your tickets at the visitor centre reception you will be issued with a car parking daily ticket valid for that day. Those non-members purchasing online or over the phone for an event will be issued with a daily ticket on arrival at reception.
What is the charging period and how much do you pay?
The charging period is from 10am to 5pm every day, charging will be for a half day rate (3 hours) at £3 and a full day rate (6 hours) at £5.
If I have paid for parking at the NWT Cley beach car park can I then also park at the NWT Cley and Salthouse Marshes Visitor Centre car park?
Yes, you will be able to use your ticket in either car park during the paid for ticket period.
What happens if I arrive before 10am and after 5pm?
If you require a ticket and arrive early, purchase it when you arrive and the charging period on your ticket will begin at 10am. If you are in the car park after 5pm you will need to ensure your ticket covers you until 5pm only. Please note overnight parking is not allowed.
What if the pay-and-display machine isn’t working?
Staff and volunteers are on hand in the visitor centre to help visitors. If the car park machine is out of order, please see if there is someone available to help you. If not, where possible please leave a note in your windscreen with your arrival time.
Getting to and from the machine is difficult for me. What are you doing to help?
If you have mobility issues and you are a Blue Badge holder, you are able to park for free as long as you display your badge. We recognise that for many with mobility issues this may be your only method of travelling to the site.
What if I am not one of those eligible for free parking and wish to use the visitor centre facilities?
You will need to pay for your parking in order to access visitor centre facilities.
How will parking work at the NWT East Bank car park?
This car park will remain free parking for all users.
What if I don’t have the correct method of payment?
The pay-and-display machines in the visitor centre car park will be card and cash. The pay and display machine at the NWT Cley Beach car park will be card only to reduce the potential security risk of a remotely-located machine.
What if I fail to display evidence of free parking or a valid ticket?
You will be issued with a compliance notice, you will not be fined.
How will the car parking charging scheme be managed and monitored?
It will be managed and monitored by the NWT Cley car parking attendant with additional support from staff and volunteers.
Have you given consideration to displacement parking elsewhere?
Yes we have, especially the visual impact of parked cars. We have charged for parking at the NWT Beach car park for a number of years, and have found no direct relationship between the charge and the small amount of parking off road in areas near to Beach Road or the end of Old Woman’s Lane. We will continue to manage and monitor displacement parking. There will be limited free parking at the East Bank car park off the A149 Coast Road.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust always seeks to encourage greener and more sustainable forms of transport to get to our nature reserves such as cycling and walking, as well as public transport with the coastal bus service on the doorstep at Cley, and lift sharing. Half price reserve entry is also offered to visitors travelling on the coast hopper.