Located less than 10 miles to the north of Norwich, Strumpshaw Fen is a great place to check out the wealth of wildlife in Norfolk.
Parent’s Review
Camera. Check. Binoculars. Check. Kids. Ready.
On a hot overcast day we decided to take advantage of our RSPB membership and visit Strumpshaw Fens. Okay, first decision made. Second decision, which trail? There are three trails, each a different length and each with different sites and sounds.
We opted for the Woodland trail. Weaving through the woodland trail we were accompanied by the distant drumming and warbling sounds. Or were they distant? In the canopy above leaves and branches moved, the sound of wings clapping – would we catch a sight of a woodpecker? Maybe.
A bit further down the tree bat nests hint at the nocturnal goings on that point to the fact that nature reserves like Strumpshaw are not just for show – they play an important part in conservation too.
Now out of the woodland and heading towards the River Yare an amazing array of different dragonflies and butterflies flutter across our path. We stopped at a bench for a few minutes and watched ruddy darters and peacock butterflies flittering around in the reeds and flowers that lined the path. Moving on we were surprised to be joined by a pheasant on our walk!
Although we didn’t make positive sightings of headline species like harriers, bitterns or kingfishers we all enjoyed our walk around Strumpshaw Fen.
If you want to get some good pictures take your time. Sit on a bench, in a hide, or just stop in your tracks and keep still and keep your eyes peeled, camera ready to snap.
As well as all the great insects to see, the nature trails will also have midges and mosquitoes. If you’re prone to being bitten it would be wise to apply insect repellent.
Some parts of the trails do go close to water and marsh areas, so keep a watchful eye on young children.
Take great care crossing the railway track.
