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NWT Syderstone Common

Syderstone Common is a wonderful area of grass heath, punctuated with ephemeral ponds, and surrounded by secondary woodland.

Description
Pricing
Opening Times
Description

The site is excellent for reptiles and amphibians, with seven species recorded. Woodlark occasionally breed, and other notable breeding birds include lesser whitethroat.

Natterjack toad
Now largely restricted to coastal sand dunes, Syderstone is one of the few examples of inland sites in the country
for the rare natterjack toad. Smaller than the common toad, the natterjack has a thin yellow stripe along its back. In large numbers, the male’s far-carrying mating call can be heard from up to 2km (1.25 miles) away on spring and early summer evenings. Please note that natterjacks and their habitat are highly protected. Disturbance and unlicensed photography are illegal.

Woodlark
In Norfolk, this scarce heathland bird has its stronghold in the Brecks, but a few pairs have nested on Syderstone Common.

Access
Syderstone Common is 0.8km (0.5 miles) south of Syderstone village along Mill Lane. There are car parks adjacent to Syderstone Business Park and along the B1454. The main car park is to the east.

Seasonal highlights

Spring
Birds – Marsh tit, linnet
Plants – Common lousewort
Insects – Small copper
Reptiles and amphibians – Great crested newt, smooth newt, adder, natterjack toad, common lizard

Summer
Birds – Linnet, whitethroat, yellowhammer, woodlark
Plants – Common lousewort
Insects – Small copper, ruddy darter, migrant hawker
Reptiles and amphibians – Common lizard, adder

Autumn
Birds – Linnet
Plants – Western gorse and heather flowering

Winter
Birds – Linnet, redpoll, woodcock

Dog policy
Open Access, but walkers must keep dogs on a short lead March-July to avoid disturbance to ground-nesting birds. Outside this period walkers are requested to keep dogs under tight control or on a lead to avoid disturbance to livestock when present.

Pricing

Free

Opening Times

Dawn till dusk, every day, all year round.

NWT Syderstone Common
Syderstone Road
Syderstone
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 8SE