Martham Broad National Nature Reserve
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Overview
Martham Broad NNR is located in northeast Norfolk and supports a range of wetland communities including open water with rich aquatic flora, such as holly-leaved naiad and a rich community of stoneworts. The site comprises two shallow Broads bisected by the navigable River Thurne, as well as surrounding fen, reedbed and marsh. The reserve supports breeding birds including bittern, bearded tit, common tern, Cetti’s warbler and marsh harrier. Stately common cranes use the reserve and can often be seen flying over. The site is excellent for swallowtail butterflies and many other insects in summer, including the Norfolk hawker. Otters are present and Chinese water deer are relatively easily observed. Several bat species also occur, and can be seen emerging at twilight. Good numbers of over-wintering wildfowl frequent the reserve and surrounding fields. You may also see the ghostly hen harrier and tiny merlin during the winter months, and barn owls are frequently seen.
About the area
The North Norfolk Coast is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and probably the finest of its kind in Europe. Here you’ll find a string of quaint villages and small towns – Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea and Cley next the Sea are 21st-century favourites, while Sheringham and Cromer are classic examples of a good old-fashioned seaside resort where grand Victorian hotels look out to sea.
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Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Waxham Sands Holiday Park
Waxham Sands Holiday Park is set in a most peaceful and tranquil coastal location. A perfect place for nature loves, at certain times you may see up to 100 seals basking on the beach. a...
Seadell Chalets
Set in more than 15 acres of parkland, Seadell Chalet Park is ideal for families, with plenty of grassed play areas for the children. You can park right outside the chalets, so no need ...
Cavalier Chalets
Enjoy a relaxing, comfortable and fun-filled break in these self-catering chalets on the idyllic Norfolk coast. Take it easy and enjoy the sandy beaches, a stroll to the nearby indoor h...
Sunray
Sunray is a recently renovated property ideally situated overlooking the River Thurne. It has a large private frontage with its own mooring, decking and a pizza oven. The property featu...
Hemsby Beach
Run by the owners of the Norfolk Broads’ largest hire craft fleet, Hemsby Beach Holiday Park is aimed at all ages. Go Active breaks offer archery, underwater exploration with sea scoote...
The River House
The River House is a charming riverside cottage at Potter Heigham on the Norfolk Broads. The comfortable two-storey, three bedroom, holiday let/rental home is set on the banks of the Ri...
Newport Caravan Park (Norfolk) Ltd
Just a short drive from the attractions of Great Yarmouth, Newport Caravan Park offers camping and motor home pitches with electric hook ups. Static caravan hire is also available with ...
The Boathouse
The Boathouse sits in eleven acres of parkland beside Ormesbury Broad and guests can choose between B&B in the inn or in one of three woodland lodges in the grounds. In the tiny village...
