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Description
Surprisingly, given its proximity to Norwich city centre, Thorpe St. Andrew's Broad (locally referred to as Thorpe Marshes) is an excellent place to see a variety of bird species, some of which you might not expect in such an urban setting. The reserve consists of a short circular walk, including a viewpoint over the lake, and bridge crossing a railway to access the reserve.
Throughout the year, Thorpe Marshes is home to a variety of common wetland birds including Mute Swan, Mallard, Gadwall and Great Crested Grebe. The reedbed holds Cetti's Warbler and Reed Bunting, while European Stonechat may be adorning the tops of bushes in the marshland area. The river offers chances to see Common Kingfisher on any visit to the site. At dawn and dusk, Barn Owl may be sighted hunting around the reserve.
In winter, the lake (broad) make hold Tufted Duck, Common Goldeneye, Common Teal, Northern Shoveler and Little Grebe. In periods of colder weather, Goosander, Smew and Black-necked Grebe may put in appearances for lucky spotters, as well as Great Bittern . The marshland will hold good numbers of Common Snipe and even a few Jack Snipe, although these will be difficult to find. A few Meadow Pipit will also be found here.
It is sometimes worth wandering up the river to Thorpe Green, where familes feed the ducks and gulls. Have a look through groups of Black-headed Gull and Common Gull for colour-ringed birds from eastern europe. Wildfowl including Egyptian Goose will also be seen here.
In spring, there is always a chance of finding a rarer visitor on the broad including Common Scoter, Arctic Tern, Little Gull and Black Tern, while Common Tern are expected to be seen from April onwards. Large number of feeding hirundines congregate over the broad, including Sand Martin, Barn Swallow and House Martin, usally joined by Common Swift in May.
The marshland fills with the sound of singing warblers in April and May, including Blackcap, Common Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Greater Whitethroat and smaller numbers of Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and even Grasshopper Warblercan be heard! Both Marsh Warbler and Savi's Warbler have been recorded at the site, but are very rare.
In the summer and autumn, Eurasian Hobby may be seen feeding over the reserve, and expect large numbers of Greylag Goose in the area. Waders may be found at the broad, including Eurasian Oystercatcher and Common Sandpiper if the water levels are low. You may encounter the local Rose-ringed Parakeet population at Thorpe Green, which are slowly increasing in the area.
Details
Access
To access the reserve, walk along Whitlingham Lane, located at the traffic light junction with Yarmouth Road. At the end of this short road there is a footbridge over the railway line which gives access to the reserve. Please note there is no parking on Whitlingham Lane. The site is easily reached via bus from Norwich city centre. The paths can often be muddy and flooded so wellingtons are recommended in the winter months.