These spectacular acidic dunes and heaths are internationally important for the rare groups of plants and animals which they support, in a habitat more common in northern Europe than England. Main habitats: coastal sand dunes, dune heath and slacks, freshwater pools Area: 109 hectares Safety You should keep your dog on the lead at all times. This is especially important between:
April and July, when an internationally-important colony of little terns breed on the beach, and other ground-nesting birds are on the dunes and heath
October and January, when a large colony of grey seals have their pups on the beach between here and Horsey to the north
You should also take care that you:
do not disturbing nursing mothers
stay well clear of bulls, as they may become aggressive
keep to the paths and avoid walking though rough vegetation
watch out for adders, particularly on cool days when they may be slow to get out of the way.
If you are bitten, try to keep still and calm and seek medical attention. Features of interest The NNR shows good coastal habitat succession from the open sand and shingle beach, through embryo and fixed dunes to acid heathland and low-lying wet dune slacks, with areas of scattered scrub. In spring, migrant birds such as wheatear and ring ouzel pass through, often with rarities mixed in. Little terns arrive in May, settling on the beach to breed, while natterjack toads can be heard calling from considerable distances. Many plant flower now, before the sandy soils dry out in summer. The range of habitats here provide suitable homes for many rare insects such as sand wasps, many dragonflies and damselflies and a variety of butterflies including grayling and dark green fritillary. Little terns and ringed plover nest in shallow scrapes on the sandy beach, nocturnal nightjars which use the heath to feed and breed can be heard ‘churring’ on warm summer evenings, and skylarks and stonechats are often seen or heard. The temporary pools in the dune slacks provide breeding sites for nationally important colonies of natterjack toads. Grey and harbour seals may be seen along the coast and beach throughout the year. Directions Most of the reserve is a coastal strip north of, and almost immediately adjacent to, the town of Winterton-on-Sea. To the north it extends as far as a local coastal landmark known as Bramble Hill, two kilometres to the east of the village of Horsey. A public footpath runs along the coast from Hemsby, near Great Yarmouth to Horsey, and passes through the reserve, linking in with the extensive local footpath network. Winterton-on-Sea is also on Regional Route 30 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network. The nearest train station is in Great Yarmouth. Bus services from Great Yarmouth to Winterton-on-Sea are provided by First Group. From the A149 Great Yarmouth – Stalham road follow the B1159 to Winterton-on-Sea. Parking is available at the end of Beach Road, Winterton. The reserve begins a short distance to the north. School and community groups Many school and further education groups use the site for practical visits, often to demonstrate dune succession. Input from NNR staff, from brief introductions to guided walks, is available on request Volunteers There are opportunities for volunteers to assist with breeding little tern and grey seal visitor management, and species survey. Contact john.white@naturalengland.org.uk or telephone 07899 901 566 Contact For more information contact the Senior Reserves Manager on rick.southwood@naturalengland.org.uk or telephone 01603 720788.