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.