The East of England is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Avocets, terns and oystercatchers are among the rich variety of birdlife on the coast or you can head inland to heaths and forests to encounter the nightingale, skylark and woodlark. Watch the swans feeding by floodlight at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Welney. Heading north, England’s largest tidal estuary The Wash is a vast area of inter-tidal mud and sandflats and one of the country’s most important winter feeding areas for waders and wildlfowl. Britain’s largest protected wetland, the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, has extensive trails through meadows, fens and reedbeds - listen out for the booming of the Bittern which lives here. In the winter, head to the Lee Valley Regional Park (www.leevalleypark.org.uk/) to spot this elusive bird - where the patchwork of lakes, waterways and open spaces are one of the major inland wintering areas for birds in Britain.
The coastline with its saltmarshes, dunes and pools is home to famous nature reserves at Cley-next-the-Sea, Titchwell, Minsmere and Fingringhoe Wick. Whilst inland, seek out the unusual stone curlew at Weeting Heath, or head to Pensthorpe Nature Reserve and Gardens (www.pensthorpe.com/) (nr. Fakenham) which offers miles of nature trails beside fen meadows, woodland and lakes. Take a boat trip to see the common and grey seals who live in coastal waters at Blakeney Point, Scroby Sands, and further south in the Essex river estuaries. Back on dry land, a walk amongst the rich, gently rolling countryside offers opportunities to spot classic British wildlife, such as deer, red squirrels and bats.
The region is also noted for its plethora of colourful butterflies, such as Britain’s largest, the Swallowtail, which is only found in the East of England. There is also the most concentrated collection of dragonflies in Britain, including the largest in Europe - the emperor. Insects of all sizes and shapes can be spotted, from ant-lions to sand wasps, fen raft spiders and stag beetles. Seek them out at Wicken Fen, where you can explore the landscape which existed before modern drainage; within Britain’s largest lowland pine forest at Thetford; or at Dunwich Heath, which offers a unique remnant of the ‘Sandlings’ heath.
Find out more about wildlife in the East of England
Where to go and what to see
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust - Welney (www.wwt.org.uk/visit/welney/)
The trust holds regular courses, walks and other events. Children’s and family events are offered during the school holidays.
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (www.rspb.org.uk/)
There are several reserves across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. The area is especially rich in wading birds and waterfowl.
The Forestry Commission
The 'Forests of East Anglia', comprises a number of forests in the two areas of Thetford Forest Park and Sandling. Amongst the facilities are nature trails, picnic and play areas and forest walks.
Bike Art
A cycling centre in the middle of Thetford Forest on the Norfolk-Suffolk border. Dedicated cycle trails in the forest range from easy for beginners and families to very difficult for serious mountain bikers. Cycles and gear are available for hire. Facilities at the centre include restaurant, large play area, horse riding and archery.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust (www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/norfolk/)
The trust’s biggest five nature reserves cover a variety of different habitats from ancient woodlands to the watery expanses of the Norfolk Broads, and all offer a huge variety of wildlife to explore. Ranworth Broad is particularly popular with families.
Pensthorpe Nature reserve and gardens (www.pensthorpe.com/)
Set in 500 acres of beautiful Norfolk countryside with miles of nature trails to explore through ancient fen meadows, woodland and a series of lakes, Pensthorpe is home to a fine collection of waterfowl including endangered exotic waterfowl from around the world.