Short birdwatching visit · Norfolk Wildlife Trust
Upton Broad and Marshes
- Tier
- Good stop nearby
- Best season
- spring and summer
- Headline birds
- Crane · Marsh Harrier · Redshank
- Parking
- NWT car park off Low Road; alternative parking at Upton Boat Dyke.
- Hides
- Bird hides listed by NWT.
- Step-free
- Not stated by the operator
Between Upton and South Walsham, near Acle · NR13 6EQ
Upton Broad and Marshes combines wet alder woodland, fen, reedbed and grazing marsh on the River Bure floodplain. Grass paths and waymarked routes let visitors sample several habitats, although ground conditions can be very muddy. Lapwing and Redshank use the grazing marsh, and Marsh Harrier is a regular sight over the reeds. NWT also notes Common Crane in winter. The attraction is a quiet, varied walk with birds, fen plants and Broadland insects rather than a large visitor centre. Start from one of the published car parks, follow the marked routes and avoid entering wet vegetation. The river-side approach gives a different view from the Low Road fen entrance.
Birds and seasons
- Crane · Headline bird — Winter Source for Crane
- Marsh Harrier · Headline bird — Typically all year Source for Marsh Harrier
- Redshank · Headline bird — Typically spring and summer Source for Redshank
- Lapwing — Typically spring and summer Source for Lapwing
Plan your visit
- Hides and viewpoints
- Bird hides listed by NWT.
- Paths
- Waymarked grass routes can be very wet; free dawn-to-dusk access.
- Toilets
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
- Parking
- NWT car park off Low Road; alternative parking at Upton Boat Dyke.
- Dogs
- Assistance dogs in Upton Fen; leads on other public paths.
- Access notes
- NWT access grade 2.
- Step-free access
- Not stated by the operator – check before travelling
Getting there: Choose the Low Road reserve car park or the Boat Dyke public-footpath approach.
Sources
Social preview: original typographic artwork by Does Your Duck Quack.
Nearby special trips
- Wheatfen (Ted Ellis Reserve) · 6.0 straight-line miles
- Surlingham Church Marsh · 6.2 straight-line miles
- Martham Broad and Marshes · 6.8 straight-line miles
Continue birding nearby
Nearest full guide: RSPB Strumpshaw Fen, 4.9 miles away in a straight line.
- Ranworth Broad and Marshes · 1.3 miles in a straight line
- Ludham and Potter Heigham Marshes · 2.8 miles in a straight line
- How Hill National Nature Reserve · 3.3 miles in a straight line