I love this place – it is probably one of my favourite spots in the Broads. It’s hard to beat for peace & tranquillity and if you like nature, you’ll like it here as that’s pretty much all there is apart from a few benches here and there to rest and admire the view. It’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest as it’s one of the few remaining areas of its type. Have a look at the website to learn more about the reserve and why it’s so special, website at www.wheatfen.org.
Some of the walkways through the reserve are only open in summer – these are indicated on the map. The walks take you through woodland, marshes with reedbeds and alongside waterways. There are a couple of points where you can walk to the edge of Wheatfen & Deep Waters Broads and sit on a bench to admire your surroundings. Nigel and I have hatched many a plan sitting on one of these benches! At this time of year, everywhere you go, you’ll be surrounded by an abundance of flowers and plants, some as tall as you are, with dragonflies, butterflies and damselflies flitting around too.
If you’ve been following this blog, you’ll probably realise that this preamble is leading up to a photo gallery, so with no further ado, here it is! The first few photos show some of walkways and scenes that I came across and then there are some photos of the wildflowers & insects that I found on my recent visit. Click on any of the photos to open up a full size photo gallery. The blog continues after the photos.
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The reserve is in Surlingham – check your directions using the Wheatfen website www.wheatfen.org before you set off as I didn’t find it on Google maps. The road to the reserve ends in a short section of unmade road – it is not too rough but just so you know. There’s a small car park & a wardens office there where you can pick up a map to help you find your way around. It’s a good idea to take one as there is no signage other than the place numbers indicated on the map. It will help you to find your way back to the car park! Wear waterproof footwear as even in summer it can be a bit squelchy underfoot and either cover up or wear insect repellent as there are biting insects here! It is a nature reserve after all! And it goes without saying, stick to the paths! Please note that dogs are not allowed on the reserve.
Finally, it is free entry to the reserve but you can make donations to the Trust. See the website or the map leaflet for details.
