Holkham National Nature Reserve Locations
Gun Hill
From water’s edge to treetopwe’re taking care
The shingle beach at Gun Hill is the perfect habitat for some of our key breeding birds. Oystercatcher, ringed plover and little tern all camouflage their nests on the ground. The nesting area is cordoned off during the summer to protect the birds.
The saltmarsh in Overy Harbour to the south might look lifeless but they are incredibly important for birds throughout the year. During the summer months, redshank can be seen displaying and nesting across the marshes, their loud display calls can be easily heard in April and May. In the winter, flocks of brent geese and curlew can be seen feeding in the harbour
The dunes that surround you are vitally important for insects, wildflowers and especially orchids. The presence of rabbits are a vital to create the ideal short cropped vegetation that is essential.
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Holkham Bay
The landscape and nature of Holkham Bay is dictated by the actions of the North Sea. Twice daily the tide comes in, bringing sediments of sand, shingle and shells alongside seeds of plants. Development of sand dunes and saltmarshes here have been more pronounced in modern times than many other places along the coast, creating the distinctive view you see before you.
Salts Hole
When the tidal waters formerly passed through the marshes that you see today, one of the main inlets was here at this small pool, Salts Hole.
Jordan Hide
The Jordan Hide overlooks the old marshes of Holkham, steeped in ancient history. Central in the viewpoint is the raised-up grass mound, Holkham Fort. This has origins dating back to the Iron Age with folklore involving the Iceni battling Romans and a refuge for marauding Vikings.
Costal Path
The pine woods (known as Holkham Meals) remain an important and distinctive landscape feature on the Norfolk coast.