Ant Broads & Marshes National Nature Reserve
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Overview
The Ant Broads and Marshes NNR includes Barton Broad, the second largest of the Norfolk Broads, which was originally a medieval peat digging. The broad is ringed by areas of reed swamp that provides a nesting habitat for wildfowl such as gadwall, pochard, teal, shoveler and tufted duck. There is a large population of swallowtail butterflies – Britain’s largest – and a significant number of rare and uncommon dragonflies, moths, beetles and flies. The fens are also home to the nationally rare crested buckler fern. Nationally important areas of carr woodland (fen woodlands dominated by alder) are also present, providing cover for a range of birdlife. Following a massive mud-pumping operation fish and aquatic plants have made an impressive comeback, along with other species such as common terns (which nest on artificial platforms), otters, kingfishers and herons. The surrounding fen areas are home to a number of other nationally rare plants and insects.
About the area
The North Norfolk Coast is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and probably the finest of its kind in Europe. Here you’ll find a string of quaint villages and small towns – Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea and Cley next the Sea are 21st-century favourites, while Sheringham and Cromer are classic examples of a good old-fashioned seaside resort where grand Victorian hotels look out to sea.
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Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
The Boathouse and Boathouse Cottage
In an exclusive marina at Wayford Bridge on the banks of the River Ant, the Boathouse is a sumptuous setting for a holiday in the Norfolk Broads. With canoe hire included and the freedo...
Worstead Estate
At the beautiful Worstead Estate, choose from a collection of exclusive-hire luxury houses and cottages. Combining beautifully renovated period buildings with modern day comforts, littl...
The Ingham Swan
The Ingham Swan is a delightful, 14th-century, thatched coaching inn within easy striking distance of the north Norfolk coastline. This heritage building has been sympathetically restor...
The River House
The River House is a charming riverside cottage at Potter Heigham on the Norfolk Broads. The comfortable two-storey, three bedroom, holiday let/rental home is set on the banks of the Ri...
Sunray
Sunray is a recently renovated property ideally situated overlooking the River Thurne. It has a large private frontage with its own mooring, decking and a pizza oven. The property featu...
Hotel Wroxham
Hotel Wroxham is uniquely positioned at the water's edge of the River Bure, a picturesque section of the famous Norfolk Broads, just eight miles from Norwich and a similar distance from...
Waterside – The Boat House
Waterside is a truly distinctive property, offering the feeling of stepping inside an upside-down boat the moment you walk through the door. Its standout feature is the panoramic view f...
Heron – Daisy Broad
Beautifully positioned on the edge of Wroxham, Heron is a superb self-catering lodge offering uninterrupted views across the ever-changing Daisy Broad. This spacious waterside retreat s...
