Best wildlife on the Norfolk Broads

A boat trip on the Norfolk Broads offers a rich array of wildlife to observe. From Martham Ferry Boatyard, you have access to the best wildlife viewing on the Norfolk Broads. Our location is conveniently close to Hickling Nature Reserve, Martham Broad, and Heigham Sound.

Here are some of the species you might encounter, when hiring a boat from us.

Birds

Herons: Commonly seen wading along the edges of the Broads.
Kestrel Hovering 10-20m above the reeds, these small birds of prey have pointed wings and fanned tails.
Kingfishers: Often spotted darting over the water with their bright blue and orange plumage. A very small dash of bright blue, flying along the bank, just above the water line.Bitterns: These rare and elusive birds can sometimes be seen in the reed beds.
Marsh Harriers: Frequently seen soaring above the reeds. Swooping over the tops of the reed beds with a shallow V shape in the wings, these birds have splayed fingers and a flat-ended tail.
Swans and Ducks: Various species, including mute swans and mallards, are abundant.
Coots: Common water birds seen swimming or walking on the reeds. They have a jet black body, and a white nose, often appearing to be nodding as they swim.
Moorhen: These cousins of the coot have a jet black body too, but a Moorhen has a red nose with a yellow tip.
Hobby: These small falcons are light brown, with a yellow bill, their most distinguishing feature are their rusty red thighs.
Buzzard: Dark brown medium-sized birds of prey that fly very high in the sky. They have broad wings and short tails.
Barn Owl: A white heart shaped face, these owls are the most common in the UK. They have white under parts and golden, white wings.
Great Crested Grebe These birds have an infamous pointed tuft on their head, with golden colours around its neck. They often disappear under the water and reappear elsewhere. Look closely, they may have a fish.
Egyptian Goose Copper-coloured wings and around the eye. Egyptian geese aren't true geese, they are a cross between a duck and a goose. Largest populations are in south-central England, East Anglia, and the East Midlands.
Pink-footed Goose Grey, with pink legs and a pink bill. One for the winter season.
Canada Goose Long black necks with a white throat, and a brown body
Mammals

Otters: Often seen swimming or playing near the water's edge.
Water Voles: Sometimes spotted around the banks and reed beds.
Bats: In the evenings, several species of bats can be seen hunting for insects over the water.

Fish

Pike, Perch, and Bream: Common fish species in the waters of the Broads.
Eels: Often found in the waterways.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Grass Snakes: Sometimes seen swimming or basking near the water.
Frogs and Toads: Various species inhabit the marshy areas.

Plants

Reeds and Sedges: Dominant vegetation in the wetland areas.
Water Lilies: Often seen floating on the surface of the Broads.

Other Species

Crayfish: Occasionally spotted in the water.

The Norfolk Broads is a diverse and dynamic ecosystem, and a boat trip through its waterways offers a wonderful opportunity to observe a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitats.

Butterflies

The Norfolk Broads is home to a variety of butterfly species. On a boat trip, especially during the warmer months, you might encounter the following butterflies:

Common Butterflies

Peacock (Aglais io): Known for its striking eyespots on the wings.
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta): A common sight with its distinctive red bands on black wings.
Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae): Easily recognisable by its orange and black patterned wings.
Comma (Polygonia c-album): Noted for its ragged wing edges and white "comma" marking on the underside.
Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui): A migratory species with orange and black markings.

Skippers

Large Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanus): Small and fast-flying, with a distinctive hooked antenna.
Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris): Often found in grassy areas near the water.

Whites and Yellows

Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni): Easily identified by its bright yellow-green wings.
Large White (Pieris brassicae): Commonly known as the cabbage white.
Small White (Pieris rapae): Similar to the large white but smaller and less marked.

Blues and Coppers

Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus): Males are bright blue, while females are brown with orange spots.
Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus): Prefers woodland edges and gardens, with a pale blue colour.

Fritillaries and Hairstreaks

Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia): Found in woodland clearings, with silver streaks on the underside of its wings.
Purple Hairstreak (Favonius quercus): Often seen around oak trees, with a purple sheen on its wings.

Other Notable Species

Swallowtail (Papilio machaon): The Norfolk Broads is one of the few places in the UK where you can see this striking butterfly. It is the largest UK butterfly, with distinctive yellow and black markings.

The best time to see butterflies in the Norfolk Broads is during late spring to early autumn, when many species are active and the weather is warm. The diverse habitats, including reed beds, meadows, and woodlands, provide ideal environments for these butterflies to thrive.

The Norfolk Broads is a prime location for observing a variety of dragonflies, including several species of hawkers. Among them, the Norfolk Hawker is particularly noteworthy:

Norfolk Hawker (Aeshna isosceles)

Appearance: This medium-sized dragonfly has distinctive green eyes and a brown body with a yellow triangular mark on its thorax, hence the name "isosceles". Its wings are clear without any coloration.
Habitat: The Norfolk Hawker prefers unpolluted, slow-flowing water bodies with abundant vegetation. It is typically found in fenlands and reed beds, making the Norfolk Broads an ideal habitat.
Behaviour: These dragonflies are most active during sunny weather, often seen patrolling low over the water or reed beds. They are strong fliers and can be observed hunting for small insects.
Flight Period: The Norfolk Hawker is usually on the wing from late May to early August.

Other Hawker Dragonflies in the Norfolk Broads

Southern Hawker (Aeshna cyanea): Known for its vibrant blue and green markings, it is commonly found near garden ponds and woodland areas.
Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta): Smaller and less brightly coloured than the Southern Hawker, with blue and yellow markings. It can often be seen in late summer and early autumn.
Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis): Recognisable by its brown body and golden-brown wings, it is commonly seen flying over water and adjacent meadows.

Observing Hawker Dragonflies

The best time to observe hawker dragonflies is on warm, sunny days when they are most active. Early morning and late afternoon can also be good times, as these insects often bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature. The diverse aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats of the Norfolk Broads provide excellent opportunities to see these impressive insects in their natural environment.