If you’re a keen wildlife lover (like us!), the East Norfolk Coast and Norfolk Broads are well worth a visit. The county has it all when it comes to wildlife habitats; boasting an extensive variety of landscapes such as chalk rivers, magical marshes, enchanted woodlands, fertile pastures, sandy beaches and the brilliant Broads. We guarantee you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the county is home to many rare species of fish, birds, and mammals. There’s an amazing array of flora and fauna to discover, whatever time of year! Check out our wildlife highlights in Norfolk below…
The Spectacular Seal Colony
The Horsey Seal Colony is a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts everywhere. Winter is the best time to visit the colony, with the gorgeous grey seals giving birth to their pups during the colder months. Horsey’s pupping season is one of the Norfolk wildlife calendar highlights, providing a unique and memorable wildlife watching experience. The seal pup numbers are now at over 1,500 per year, with the colony slowly expanding towards Winterton-on-Sea.
Photo Credits: Sean Weekley
The Brilliant Broads
The Norfolk Broads is the UK’s largest wetland area, featuring over 125 miles of lock-free waterways. With more miles of waterways than Venice, the Broads is home to around a quarter of the rarest flora and fauna in the UK; best discovered by boat. We highly recommended taking a guided Electric Eel boat trip – discover the Broads’ brilliant wildlife via an experienced guide, such as dazzling dragonflies, majestic marsh harriers, wonderful wildflowers, and stunning swallowtail butterflies. Or you can hire your own electric boat from Martham Ferry Boatyard.
Ross’ Remarkable Wildlife Tours
Ross’ Wildlife Tours run daily boat trips from Easter until the end of September, led by an enthusiastic nature expert. Uncover the secrets of the Norfolk Boards on this informal and relaxing boat ride across Horsey Mere, departing from the staithe by Horsey Windpump. Spot species such as swallowtail butterflies, Norfolk hawker dragonflies, marsh harriers and kingfishers on this wonderful voyage of wildlife discovery.
The Stunning Strumpshaw Fen
Situated on the River Yare, the stunning Strumpshaw Fen boasts a brilliant portfolio of broad land habitats and wildlife, including remarkable reedbeds, wonderful woodlands and orchid-rich wildflower meadows. You can observe marsh harriers, bitterns, and kingfishers go about their business at Strumpshaw Fen. The fen hosts specific activities for children during weekends and school holidays; or they can explore the reserve all year round with a Wildlife Explorer backpack or pond dipping kit.
The Honourable Hickling Broad
Hicking is the largest of the Norfolk Broads, providing a year-round haven for wildlife. Perched upon the Upper Thurne river system, Hickling Broad houses a significant number of the UK’s population of common crane. Discover bitterns, marsh harriers, bearded tits, and barn owls; as well as interesting mammals including Chinese water deer, red deer, and otters. If you’re seeking a more structured activity, the trust offers guided wildlife water trail boat tours, and dawn chorus and evening walks.
The Charming Chalk Bed
Labelled ‘Britain’s Great Barrier Reef’, the Cromer Shoals Chalk Bed dates to the Mesozoic era (the age of the dinosaurs!). Cromer Shoals is the world’s longest chalk bed, measuring in at over 20 miles. The abundant marine life can be found by swimming out or snorkelling from the beach. The chalk bed features over 30 species of shoal fish, blue mussel beds, harbour porpoises, seals, and basking sharks; as well as the purple sponge (Parpal Dumplin’), which was first discovered here in 2011.
Mill Farm Eco Barn’s On-Site Nature Hideout
Here at Mill Farm Eco Barn, we are passionate about nature and encouraging both common and rare wildlife species. Our 2.5-acre site has been converted into a wonderful wildlife haven; we have created a fenced wildlife pond, planted an orchard and native hedge, installed bird boxes, and encouraged wildflower growth. From our paddocks, you can spot several butterfly species, as well as kestrels, hobbies and a good range of garden birds. In the autumn time, we regularly see pink footed geese fly over, spending their days in the neighbour’s field.




So, if you’re seeking a back-to-nature break in Norfolk, look no further than Mill Farm Eco Barn. Click here to book your wildlife watching staycation today!