On 16th June 2024, I visited the following sites:
NNR Winterton Dunes, Norfolk
NWT Weeting Heath, Norfolk
NNR Winterton Dunes is an extensive dune system on the east coast of Norfolk located within the Norfolk Coast National Landscape. The site is unusual in that it shows greater ecological similarities to the dune systems of the Baltic coast countries which support acidic plant communities rather than the dunes on the north Norfolk coast where the sand is calcareous.
NNR Winterton Dunes shows good coastal habitat succession from the open sand and shingle beach, through embryo and fixed dunes to acid heathland and low-lying wet dune slacks with areas of scattered scrub.
In spring, migrant birds pass through, often including uncommon or rare species. Little Terns and Ringed Plovers nest in shallow scrapes on the sandy beach, Nightjars use the heath to feed and breed and Skylarks and Stonechats are often seen and heard. The temporary pools in the dune slacks provide breeding sites for nationally important colonies of Natterjack Toads and Atlantic Grey Seals and Common Seals may be seen offshore and throughout the year. The range of habitats here also provide suitable homes for many rare insects such as sand wasps, many dragonflies and damselflies and a variety of butterflies.
My main target species at NNR Winterton Dunes was Little Tern and, after taking a short walk from the car park, I arrived at the fenced-off breeding colony of this beautiful and rare seabird. The on-site RSPB warden told me that an estimated 400 birds had returned in May and, subject to the usual threats of tidal flooding, aerial and ground predators and human and dog disturbance, he is hopeful for another successful breeding season. The sight of so many Little Terns at a single small site was amazing.
The highlights during my visit were as follows: Little Tern (c.400), Common Tern (2), Ringed Plover (4 including a pair with a juvenile), Cormorant (1), Great Black-backed Gull (2), Herring Gull (2), Skylark (3 plus several other singing males)
Addition to 2024 UK year list: Little Tern
NWT Weeting Heath is a 141.8 hectare reserve which is managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve and it is also part of the Breckland Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area.
NWT Weeting Heath is the best site in the country to see the rare breeding Stone Curlew. The species requires open, stony ground with short vegetation to breed, making the close-cropped grass and lichen heath of NWT Weeting Heath an ideal site. As well as the Stone Curlew, NWT Weeting Heath is also home to a range of other heathland and woodland species.
My main target species was obviously the Stone Curlew, a bird that I usually record at NWT Weeting Heath each year. I relatively quickly found an adult bird plus at least 2 well-grown juveniles from the western hide, albeit views were a little hampered by the heat haze which is always an issue at this site. I also saw a very distant additional adult bird.
The highlights during my visit were as follows: Stone Curlew (1 adult with 2 well-grown juveniles plus an additional adult), Curlew (2), Lapwing (4), Common Buzzard (2 distantly soaring birds), Red Kite (1 distantly soaring bird), Stock Dove (2), Swift (c.10)
Addition to 2024 UK year list: Stone Curlew
After my visit to NWT Weeting Heath, I drove 130 miles north west to Travelodge Doncaster for my overnight stay.
Love nature .... act now
Stay safe, stay well, stay strong, stay connected with nature
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