Weeting Heath Nature Reserve
Huddled in a bird hide at Weeting Heath while dusk descends, you might be chilled by the banshee-like wail of a stone curlew, frequently seen at the site. They arrive from southern Europe and North Africa in spring and create shallow stony scrapes on the ground in which to breed. Once the chicks are fledged they depart south again in late summer.
Startlingly violet spiked speedwell is among the rare flower species found at Weeting Heath, along with the perfectly formed maiden pink. Such vivid colours attract bees, and butterflies like the small copper. This was the first nature reserve in the UK to fence rabbits in and use them as a primary management tool. Stone Age farmers, who cleared areas of forest to cultivate crops, first created the open Breck heaths. Rabbits were later introduced by the Normans and their foraging created the short grassland, rich in mosses and lichens, which can be seen today.
Highlights: Stone curlew
Location: West of Brandon on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, about 6 miles north west of Thetford.
Grid referenceTL 757 881
Access: Visitor centre and nature reserve open April to September, 7am to dusk. Wheelchair access to both hides. There is a small charge for entry; free for children and Norfolk Wildlife Trust members.
Run by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
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