RSPB Berney Marshes And Breydon Water

Berney Marshes and Breydon Water is a nature reserve in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, managed by the RSPB. This carefully managed landscape of wet grassland, intertidal mudflats, and saltmarsh provides an important habitat for both breeding and wintering birds.

At Breydon Water, the most easterly estuary in Britain, three rivers, the Bure, Waveney, and Yare converge. In spring, the water levels are held high to create ideal conditions for breeding little grebes, great crested grebes, oystercatchers, ringed plovers, and mute swans.

The surrounding wet meadows also provide a nesting haven for lapwings, snipes, redshanks, and yellow wagtails, while in the middle of the estuary, an artificial island supports a thriving colony of common terns.

During winter, the reserve welcomes up to 85,000 wildfowl and waders, including wigeons, shelducks, shovelers, greater white-fronted geese, pink-footed geese, Bewick’s swans, golden plovers, black-tailed godwits, curlews, and avocets.

Autumn and winter are also prime seasons for spotting birds of prey such as sparrowhawks, hen harriers, short-eared owls, and rough-legged buzzards. Meanwhile, the marshes and grasslands attract winter visitors like snow buntings, Lapland buntings, and twites.

Out at sea, look for gannets and fulmars fishing over the waves. In winter, glaucous gulls and purple sandpipers may also make an appearance.

Berney Marshes and Breydon Water reserve is a hotspot for rarities too. Large wading birds recorded here include little bitterns, squacco herons, black storks, and glossy ibises. Rare waterfowl such as American wigeons, buffleheads, and ring-necked ducks have also been spotted. Surprisingly, escaped flamingos and pelicans occasionally find their way to the estuary as well!

There are no managed nature trails on the reserve, but public footpaths run along both the north and south shores. Be aware that these paths are unsurfaced and can become very muddy, so sturdy footwear is essential. There are no hides or formal viewing facilities, except for an uncovered reed-screen-style platform.

Access to the reserve is limited. There is no direct road access but visitors can reach it on foot via a four-mile walk from Great Yarmouth along the northern estuary path. The nearest railway station is Berney Arms Station. Alternatively, the reserve can be accessed by boat from the River Yare, with mooring available near Berney Arms Windmill.

Please note, dogs are welcome at the reserve, but must be kept under effective control on the public footpaths and bridleways only. Assistance dogs are welcome on all parts of the reserve.