Iconic species
Learn more about the wonderful wildlife that can be found on the Norfolk Coast
Birds
Norfolk is a wonderful place for birding, with many rare, threatened and migrating species in the area. Wading birds such as curlew, avocet and knot can be seen at coastal nature reserves, with little egret, spoonbill and redshank visiting our wetlands. Marsh harriers are commonly seen over reedbeds and grazing marshes, while barn owls hunt at dawn and dusk.
In the spring and summer, Norfolk’s beaches become a vast nursery, with hundreds of waders including little tern, ringed plover and oystercatcher nesting on the sand and shingle. With global seabird populations falling fast, our coast provides a vital refuge for these young families.
In the winter, listen out for the distinctive honking of pink-footed geese overhead – spectacular flocks, or ‘skeins’, make their winter homes in coastal fields and marshes. Snow bunting also stop by, identifiable by their distinctive white plumage.
Insects and mammals
Some of our most popular coastal species are grey and common seals, which are often seen popping up to say hello in the shallows or resting on our beaches in colonies.
Equally impressive but perhaps less well-known is the rare and endangered natterjack toad, which lives in sand dunes and heaths. You’re perhaps more likely to hear it than see it, as the sound of males ‘singing’ to prospective mates can be heard up to a mile away!
Visitors to the Norfolk Coast might also spot deer, badgers and otters – and perhaps even a water vole or two along our riverbanks if you’re lucky. Meanwhile, watch out for a wide range of insects, including beautiful dragonflies, moths, butterflies and beetles.
Plant life
The Norfolk Coast supports some beautiful and unusual plant species, from sea lavender and samphire on the saltmarshes to the pyramid orchids that flower on the dunes in summer.
Meanwhile, underwater seagrass meadows provide habitat for young fish and other marine life, whilst also serving as an important carbon store.
Respecting our iconic species
When you visit the coast, you’ll be sharing the landscape with a wide array of birds as they roost, rest and breed. These activities take up a huge amount of energy, so it’s vital that we keep our distance. If we get too close and disturb the birds, they can use up vital resources flying or moving away. This could leave them lacking the energy needed to produce eggs, find food or make their migration journeys overseas.
Other species can be just as sensitive to human interaction. Take for example the thousands of seals that come to the beach to give birth and raise their pups every year. If the seals are disturbed by people or dogs getting too close, it can cause the seals considerable stress and can even lead them to abandon their pups, leaving them defenceless on the beach.
You can help us keep the Norfolk Coast a haven for these amazing species by:
- Sticking to the paths
- Steering clear from fenced-off areas
- Maintaining a good distance from any wildlife you can see on the beach – a minimum of 50 metres (around half the length of a football field) is recommended
- Taking note of signs and following instructions – remember, they may relate to wildlife that’s not easy to spot yourself!
- Keeping your dog under close control
