This disused railway embankment (the King’s Lynn–Dereham line was closed in the 1960s) contains a rare habitat-type for Norfolk: chalk grassland.
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Description
Pricing
Opening Times
Description
As a consequence it supports a range of interesting plants, including pyramidal and early purple orchids, marsh helleborine and autumn gentian. It is one of the best sites for butterflies in Norfolk, with at least 30 species recorded.
This reserve is grazed by cattle or sheep and depending on the number of stock present the reserve could be closed – the reserve is currently open. Grazing maintains the open grassland habitat and assists in the abundance of butterflies associated with this site. If you are planning a visit and are unsure whether the reserve is open, please call us first on 01603 625540.
Dingy skipper
This small butterfly, which is in severe decline, has a mottled grey-brown moth-like look, and is easily confused with the grizzled skipper. It can be seen flitting about in May and June.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring
Plants – Early purple orchid
Insects – Dingy skipper, brimstone, common blue, orange tip
Summer
Birds – Blackcap, chiffchaff, common whitethroat
Plants – Marsh helleborine, kidney vetch, eyebright, carline thistle
Insects – Dingy skipper, brown argus, purple hairstreak, common blue
Autumn
Plants – Autumn gentian, guilder rose
Dog policy
Visitors must keep dogs under tight control or on a short lead to avoid disturbance to wildlife. Strict ‘clean up’ rule to protect chalk grassland habitat. Site closed when livestock present.
Pricing
Free
Opening Times
10am to 8pm (to 4pm in winter) every day, all year round except when sheep are on site