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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 Hnúðsvanur, Stokkönd, Gargönd and Toppgoði. The reedbed holds Blæsöngvari and Seftittlingur, while Hagaskvetta may be adorning the tops of bushes in the marshland area. The river offers chances to see Bláþyrill on any visit to the site. At dawn and dusk, Turnugla may be sighted hunting around the reserve.
In winter, the lake (broad) make hold Skúfönd, Hvinönd, Urtönd, Skeiðönd and Dverggoði. In periods of colder weather, Gulönd, Hvítönd and Stargoði may put in appearances for lucky spotters, as well as Sefþvari . The marshland will hold good numbers of Hrossagaukur and even a few Dvergsnípa, although these will be difficult to find. A few Þúfutittlingur 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 Hettumáfur and Stormmáfur for colour-ringed birds from eastern europe. Wildfowl including Nílarönd will also be seen here.
In spring, there is always a chance of finding a rarer visitor on the broad including Hrafnsönd, Kría, Dvergmáfur and Kolþerna, while Sílaþerna are expected to be seen from April onwards. Large number of feeding hirundines congregate over the broad, including Bakkasvala, Landsvala and Bæjasvala, usally joined by Múrsvölungur in May.
The marshland fills with the sound of singing warblers in April and May, including Hettusöngvari, Gransöngvari, Síkjasöngvari, Sefsöngvari, Þyrnisöngvari and smaller numbers of Laufsöngvari, Netlusöngvari and even Engisöngvarican be heard! Both Seljusöngvari and Flóðsöngvari have been recorded at the site, but are very rare.
In the summer and autumn, Gunnfálki may be seen feeding over the reserve, and expect large numbers of Grágæs in the area. Waders may be found at the broad, including Tjaldur and Lindastelkur if the water levels are low. You may encounter the local Grænpáfi 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.