Ant Broads & Marshes National Nature Reserve
Recommended by
Overview
The Ant Broads and Marshes NNR includes Barton Broad, the second largest of the Norfolk Broads, which was originally a medieval peat digging. The broad is ringed by areas of reed swamp that provides a nesting habitat for wildfowl such as gadwall, pochard, teal, shoveler and tufted duck. There is a large population of swallowtail butterflies – Britain’s largest – and a significant number of rare and uncommon dragonflies, moths, beetles and flies. The fens are also home to the nationally rare crested buckler fern. Nationally important areas of carr woodland (fen woodlands dominated by alder) are also present, providing cover for a range of birdlife. Following a massive mud-pumping operation fish and aquatic plants have made an impressive comeback, along with other species such as common terns (which nest on artificial platforms), otters, kingfishers and herons. The surrounding fen areas are home to a number of other nationally rare plants and insects.
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.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
The Boathouse and Boathouse Cottage
In an exclusive marina at Wayford Bridge on the banks of the River Ant, the Boathouse is a sumptuous setting for a holiday in the Norfolk Broads. With canoe hire included and the freedo...
Worstead Estate
At the beautiful Worstead Estate, choose from a collection of exclusive-hire luxury houses and cottages. Combining beautifully renovated period buildings with modern day comforts, littl...
The Ingham Swan
The Ingham Swan is a delightful, 14th-century, thatched coaching inn within easy striking distance of the north Norfolk coastline. This heritage building has been sympathetically restor...
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...
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...
Hotel Wroxham
Hotel Wroxham is uniquely positioned at the water's edge of the River Bure, a picturesque section of the famous Norfolk Broads, just eight miles from Norwich and a similar distance from...
Riverview - The Boat House
Perfectly positioned in the heart of the boatyard, Riverview offers a peaceful waterside escape with its own private deck overlooking the water. Designed in an appealing ‘upside-down’ s...
Spinnaker – Sail Loft
Spinnaker – Sail Loft comes with a fantastic, large balcony overlooking the River Bure, marinas and our boatyard – the perfect place to watch Wroxham’s river life drift by. Set across t...
