NWT East Wretham Heath

Parts of the site were ploughed during the Second World War and subsequently farmed, but careful management and controlled grazing, in particular by the site’s numerous rabbits, have restored the open heath habitat. Today, the short, close-cropped grassland is home to many rare species of plant and insect, as well as scarce breeding birds including woodlark and redstart; stone curlews are also seen occasionally.Among the site’s other interesting features are its meres. Two of these, Langmere and Ringmere, have fluctuating water levels fed by rising ground water and sometimes dry up altogether. A hide overlooks Langmere, with additional viewing shelters at Fenmere and Ringmere; numerous waterbirds can be found on these during higher water levels (the site can be dry for years) with migrating wading birds, ducks and geese in spring and autumn, as well as many interesting aquatic invertebrates. As well as rabbits, the reserve also supports a number of other mammals including stoats and roe and muntjac deer. Stoat With an abundance of rabbits to hunt (the rabbit’s larger size is no deterrent), it’s not uncommon to see a stoat scampering across the open grassland of East Wretham Heath. Stoats are larger than weasels, and their tail is much longer with a black tip.Scots pine The reserve contains an old Scots Pine plantation thought to have been planted in the early nineteenth century, around the time of the Battle of Waterloo. These gnarled old trees contrast with the young, regular stands of conifers that predominate elsewhere in the Brecks.Access From the car park, a gate then grassy path leads to an accessible hide overlooking Langmore.Seasonal highlightsSpring Birds - Willow warbler, woodlark, tree pipit, wheatear, gadwall, teal, shoveler, curlew, little grebe, skylark Plants - Early forget-me-not, lesser stitchwort, wall bedstraw Insects - Small copper Reptiles - Adder, grass snake, common lizardSummer Birds - Redstart, willow warbler, woodlark, tree pipit, curlew, little grebe, skylark Plants - Early forget- me-not, mossy stonecrop, heath bedstraw, harebell, lesser stitchwort, viper’s bugloss Insects Essex skipper Reptiles - Adder, grass snakeAutumn Birds - Fieldfare, teal, redwing, gadwall, shoveler, curlew, snipe, little grebe, skylarkWinter Birds - Fieldfare, redwing, gadwall, teal, shoveler, curlew, snipe, little grebe, skylark, crossbill, occasional hawfinch Be sure to watch for impressive gatherings of ducks and geese on the meres on migration and in winter.Dog policy Open Access, but walkers must observe reserve signage and information as restrictions (no dogs) apply in some areas (Compartment C4). In other areas please keep dogs on a short lead March-July to avoid disturbance to ground-nesting birds. Outside this period walkers are requested to keep dogs under tight control or on a lead to avoid disturbance to livestock when present.