Lying at the heart of the Norfolk Broads, Bure Marshes NNR is part of Britain’s biggest and best wetland, a mosaic of rivers, broads, ditches, wet woodland and open fens. Main habitats: wetland: open water (broads, dykes, turf ponds) tall-herb fen, reed and sedge beds, fen meadow, wet scrub and woodland. Area: 451.5 hectares Management: Hoveton Great Broad and Woodbastwick Marshes are managed by Natural England, while Norfolk Wildlife Trust manages Ranworth Broad and Ebb and Flow Marshes Features of interest A fine example of typical broads undrained wetland, with a wide range of habitats and plant and animal communities in the succession from open water to carr woodland (wet woods dominated by alder and sallow). Breeding and wintering bird species including bittern, marsh harrier, reed, sedge and grasshopper warblers, bearded tit, and many wildfowl. The fens and waterways support many rare and notable insect species, swallowtail butterflies and Norfolk hawker dragonflies. Around and in the dykes and Broads you may also see some of the other 18 species of dragonflies and damsel flies, otters, water voles and grass snakes found throughout the reserve. For more details on visiting the reserve go to the Norfolk Wildlife Trust page on Ranworth Broad. For more information about seasonal highlights, managing the reserve and the reserve’s history, see Natural England’s pages on Bure Marshes in the National Archive. Directions The nearest train station is Salhouse (4 kilometres) then public footpaths and quiet country roads link to Salhouse village. Woodbastwick is the next village, 6.5 kilometres from the station There are frequent bus services 7 days a week to Salhouse village or Monday to Saturday to South Walsham, which is near the eastern end of the NNR. The NNR lies between the towns of Wroxham and Acle, 10.5 kilometres north east of Norwich, off the A1151 (Norwich to Stalham) or A47 (Norwich to Great Yarmouth). Wroxham is the nearest main centre for boat hire. The main access point is Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail, which is open 10:00 to 17:00 every day during April – October. There’s a Natural England warden on site. This is accessible by boat only, moorings are 3 miles downstream from Wroxham, TG 318159. School and community groups There are opportunities for higher education and community groups interested in wetland ecology and management to visit Woodbastwick Marshes. Contact the Senior Reserves Manager. Volunteers There are some opportunities for volunteers to join a small team carrying out practical management works and species survey. Contact john.white@naturalengland.org.uk or telephone 07899 901 566. Contact For more information contact the Senior Reserves Manager: Email rick.southwood@naturalengland.org.uk
Telephone; 01603 720788 For information about Ranworth Broad contact Norfolk wildlife Trust.