Paston Great Barn National Nature Reserve
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Overview
Paston Great Barn NNR is one of the best preserved and few remaining thatched medieval great barns left in England. It also supports the only known breeding colony of barbastelle bats, one of the UK’s rarest mammals, to be found in a building. Look out for the barbastelles as they swoop overhead, hunting for small insects like moths by using echo location. The barbastelles from the colony at Paston Great Barn commute over large distances to reach their feeding grounds. The insect-rich semi-natural grassland along the adjacent coastline is a favoured feeding area for them. In addition to the barbastelles, Paston Great Barn also supports an exceptional community of other bats. Four other species are known to have used the buildings: the brown long-eared, common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, Nathusius’ pipistrelle and natterer’s bats. In addition, a further two species have been recorded flying around the buildings, the noctule and Daubenton’s bat.
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
Red House Chalet & Caravan Park
The Red House Chalet & Caravan Park is a good place from which to discover North Norfolk. In two acres, with sea views and private access to a sandy beach, the first-time visitor might ...
Castaways Holiday Park
Describing itself as ideal for ‘a bucket-and-spade holiday’, Castaways’ accommodation ranges from two-bedroom caravans to three-bedroom lodges. Site facilities include a children’s play...
Rookery Barn Holidays
Rookery Barn Holidays is situated at the seaside on the North Norfolk Coast, on a peaceful country lane with field views, just half a mile from the glorious, safe sandy beaches of Keswi...
Sandy Gulls Caravan Park
Adults-only Sandy Gulls Caravan Park is the area’s only clifftop touring park, offering uninterrupted sea views and direct access to the dog-friendly beach. Mundesley village has places...
Beechwood Hotel
Beechwood Hotel offers a friendly and informal atmosphere, comfortable and well-appointed bedrooms, and a creative head chef sourcing produce from local farms and Cromer fishermen. Near...
Two Mills Touring Park
An intimate, beautifully presented park set in superb countryside in a peaceful, rural spot, which is also convenient for touring. The 'Top Acre' section features fully serviced hardsta...
Lanthorn Cottage
At one end of a three cottage terrace, Lanthorn is a beautiful red-brick building in an idyllic rural setting. It has its own large enclosed garden and enjoys wonderful views across the...
Lanthorn Cottage
At one end of a three cottage terrace, Lanthorn is a beautiful red-brick building in an idyllic rural setting. It has its own large enclosed garden and enjoys wonderful views across the...
