Wednesday 15 May 2019

North Norfolk



My previous post contains some of our Broadland photographs. This post has the area around the North Norfolk coast as its focus. It is always a joy and a thrill to see an Avocet, symbol (and success story) of the RSPB. We spent a fair amount of time at the wonderful Norfolk Wildlife Trust centre at Cley. Sadly we missed a book launch by Mark Cocker which had taken place there the day before our arrival. 

We love the reedy area around Arnold's Marsh: we have watched Bearded Tits and Reed Buntings here in the past.


I spent my teenage years in Norfolk, and this photo encapsulates those memories for me - long empty beaches of shingle, full of rugged beauty, perfect for wildlife but rather chilly!


The reedbed area on the landward side is equally compelling.


We paused for a while to watch this rather large Little Egret fishing.


Look at those feet...



There were various ducks on the saltmarsh, including this Shelduck.


The church below is in Brancaster and doubtless some of the masonry has been reworked from Brandodunum, the Saxon Shore fort built by the Romans.


We enjoyed watching the waders at Brancaster Staithe: the North Norfolk coast has so many hidden corners. 


Late afternoon: Brancaster Staithe



The photos below show Blakeney...





The sun came out after a dark cloud: I love the subtle saltmarsh colours. 


Another day began with quick visits to NT Blickling and Febrigg.

Part of the front of Felbrigg Hall


There were some very relaxed chickens in the walled garden at Felbrigg - and I loved their house!


The honey bees were certainly not in relaxed mode!



I love the hives, and what a beautiful flint wall behind. 


With blossom like this, I imagine the quality of the pollen must be superb! 


The photo below gives an impression of the vast beach at Holkham, a beach on the edge of The Wash, with sand, shells in profusion and estuarine mud.










You approach Holkham beach through a path between the pine trees. The hall and parkland estate, home of Thomas Coke of the Agrarian Revolution (as it was called in my school days), is just across the road.

I realise I have posted a rather random selection of photos. My next post will move inland again to the Yare valley (Mark Cocker's Crow Country), where I spent my teenage years - and where we spent a bit of time on this recent break.

4 comments:

Ragged Robin said...

A wonderful set of photos Caroline and a superb place to spend a break :) You brought back memories of our two short breaks there - I do love Norfolk with its landscapes, wildlife, villages, churches and NT places.

I can't wait to see your next post as "Crow Country" is one my favourite books and it will be so interesting to see your photos.

Crafty Green Poet said...

Lovely set of photos, Caroline. Such pretty bee hives and great photos of the bar tailed godwit - summer plumage too, which I rarely see. I've seen avocets only once

Lowcarb team member said...

You did get some lovely weather for your trip.
All such beautiful photographs, and I do agree the hives are so colourful.

All the best Jan

Amanda Peters said...

All looks very lovely, did spend the day once on a boat on the Norfolk broads many years ago when the kids were little. You got to see some lovely things.
Amanda xx