Redgrave & Lopham Fen National Nature Reserve

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Overview

Redgrave and Lopham Fen NNR is an extensive area of spring-fed valley fen in the headwaters of the River Waveney on the Suffolk/Norfolk border. It is the largest fen in lowland England, with a range of distinct habitats including the internationally important saw sedge beds and purple moor grasslands. It is also home to one of only two British populations of the fen raft spider. In summer the reserve supports wetland species such as the insectivorous bladderwort and the aquatic areas also attract amphibians including the great crested newt, mammals like the water shrew and water vole, and waterfowl such as teal, gadwall, little grebe, moorhen, coot and water rail. Wading birds passing through on migration in spring and autumn include the green sandpiper and greenshank. The vegetation includes plants such as hemp agrimony, meadowsweet, sow thistle and purple loosestrife. Look out for reed bunting and warblers here, while the scrubby vegetation can reveal woodcock, sparrowhawk, hobby, kestrel and tawny owl, in addition to numerous chiffchaffs and willow warblers.

Location

Pooley Street

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.