Additional information
Terrain
- Tracks and footpaths
Landscape
- Fenland marshes
Dog friendliness
- On lead to avoid disturbing wildlife; not permitted in nature reserve
Parking
- Small lay-by on Decoy Road at entrance to Nature Reserve, 0.75 mile (1.2km) north of Potter Heigham
Toilets en route
- None on route
About the walk
Part of the River Thurne, Hickling Broad is the largest lake of the Norfolk Broads. The water and extensive reed beds that surround it are a haven for wildlife, attracting many species of birds, some arriving merely to over-winter, but others remaining all year. The uncommon common crane The... water has the largest population of common crane in the country. One of Europe's largest birds, it has a majestic wingspan of 6ft (2m) or more. The crane was a regular sight during the Middle Ages, when it appeared on the table of the well to do, but, although protected during the 16th century, it died out as a breeding bird. The common crane returned to Norfolk in the early 1980s, when a single pair raised a chick. Since then, numbers have slowly increased and today there are up to 30 cranes established on the marshes. The best place to watch them is from the Norfolk Wildlife Trust watchpoint across the water at Stubb Mill. Another rarity Other birds nesting around the broad include the bittern, which is also making a comeback to this country. It is quite secretive and well camouflaged, so you are more likely to hear than see it. The bittern's call is a loud booming noise that drifts from the reeds across the water. Other birds include Cetti's warblers, bearded tits, colourful kingfishers and airborne hunters such as marsh and hen harriers, while barn owls are a common sight. Chinese deer If you are very lucky, you might come across a Chinese water deer, a small and usually reclusive animal, which was introduced to this country at the beginning of the 20th century by the Duke of Bedford to his Woburn estate. Occasional escapees have become naturalised and, being strong swimmers have taken to the wet, marshy habitat of the Broads. But, they have a keen sense of smell and will usually be well away before you even spot them. Another delightful sighting is the otter. They live in holts around the edge of the lake and spend much of their time in the water, often apparently just playing. Although not big animals, they are one of the country's 'top predators' and their diet includes fish and crustaceans as well as waterbirds and their eggs. Butterflies and dragonflies The Broads are a good place to look for invertebrates, the area being the only reserve in Britain where you are likely to see both the country's largest butterfly, the swallowtail, and the large Norfolk hawker dragonfly, which the Broads Authority has adopted as its emblem. A treasure trove of wildlife Although the Broads are a relatively small corner of Britain, they contain over 11,000 species, with almost 25% of the country's rarest species having a home here. Yet, surprisingly, it is a totally managed landscape. The lakes are flooded peat workings, cut during the Middle Ages and inundated by rising sea levels. Much of the farm and grazing land is only viable because of a myriad of drainage channels and pumps that take the water away.
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