A traditionally-managed grazing marsh in the Norfolk Broads which supports a diverse range of wetland plant, insect and bird species. Due to presence of grazing animals and sensitive bird species, you should keep to the public footpaths. Main habitats: lowland wet grassland, fen meadow, open water in dyke system Area: 86 hectares Features of interest The dyke system, its edges trampled by cattle, supports over 100 species of aquatic and emergent plants, along with a rich community of invertebrates. In summer, damsel flies and dragonflies, including the rare Norfolk hawker, abound. Water voles live in and around the dykes, while many birds use the grass marshes for feeding and wintering. Grazing cattle keep the grass sward short. Trampling of the dyke edges creates a tussocky ‘berm’ colonised by emergent and fen plants. Dykes which become overgrown or are in danger of filling in due to cattle trampling are cleaned out by mechanical digger. Water levels are controlled by sluices, excess water from nearby uplands being pumped out to the adjacent River Thurne. Directions Wroxham station is the closest, approximately 10 kilometres away. There are regular buses from Wroxham 6 days a week. Ludham village is 1 kilometre from the NNR, off the A1062 Wroxham to Potter Heigham road. Parking near the NNR is extremely limited. There is a small Broads Authority mooring at Womack Water (River Thurne) which overlooks the NNR. Visits can be arranged in advance for specialists and small groups by contacting the Senior Reserves Manager. Volunteers There are sometimes opportunities for volunteers who are interested in species surveys. Contact john.white@naturalengland.org.uk or 07899 901 566 Contact Email: rick.southwood@naturalengland.org.uk
Telephone: 01603 720788