East Anglia
Norfolk and Suffolk
Norfolk is rightly regarded by most people to be the birding capital of England. It offers a diversity of habitats from open sandy beaches through to coastal lagoons, marshes and reed beds, backed by undulating and gorse-covered heathland and birch woodlands. In the wetland areas we'll spend some time looking at migrant waders and terns whilst keeping a sharp look-out for any migrant passerines such as chats and warblers. On the heaths we'll look for Tree Pipits and Hobby or listen to one of the joys of spring - the song of Nightingales.. As for Suffolk, you can't be in this part of the world and miss a visit to the famous RSPB reserve of Minsmere with its breeding Marsh Harriers and Avocets. As part of this holiday we'll also be spending a morning exploring the delightful city of Norwich with its castle and cathedral and interesting nooks and crannies.
Our holiday will be in early May when spring migration is at its peak, adding to the large numbers of waders and small migrants as well as a wide selection of breeding birds, both common and nationally scarce such as Bittern, Mediterranean Gull, Little Tern, Bearded Tit, Stone Curlew, Cetti's Warbler and Bittern (though the latter two are more likely to be heard than seen). We may also be lucky to find birds which are not yet breeding but present in numbers during the summer months such Spoonbills. During our 5-night holiday we'll be visiting all the major sites. We'll be based in Titchwell right next door to the RSPB reserve which consists of reed beds and fresh, brackish and saline lagoons, each with its own speciality groups of waders.
The famous Norfolk Broads are a man-made habitat which is now, in part, regenerating naturally. Although a well-known and popular holiday resort, wide areas have been set aside for wildlife and here it's possible to see large numbers of Marsh Harriers and other specialities which include a small, resident population of Common Cranes . We'll take a gentle stroll along the river bank from Potter Heigham to the Norfolk Wildlife Trust's reserve at Hickling Broad, returning by boat to get a real feel for this exceptional area.
At Strumpshaw we'll find wet meadows with wonderful wild flowers and attendant butterflies and dragonflies - and there's also the possibility of seeing that most elusive of creatures, the European Otter. We'll also take a boat trip to see the seals and visit Blakeney Point, a National Trust property which is internationally important breeding ground for migrant birds.
Our holiday will be run at the usual relaxed pace associated with Island Holidays and will be based in a comfortable hotel at Titchwell. Although some people might like to drive to Norfolk to give them the flexibility of staying on for a few days, we will be arranging for a coach to pick you up at Peterborough railways station - and, of course, take you back there at the end of the holiday.
Download detailed itinerary