Wildlife

The farm and immediate area has a rich and diverse population of birds and wildlife, the River Ant valley is a wetland area of international importance.

The farms circular walks are connected to Alderfen Broad and How Hill nature reserves. Alderfen Broad has a viewing platform which looks across the broad, How Hill House and Gardens can be viewed from an elevated position looking across the reed beds towards Turf Fen wind pump.

In the spring the Bittern can be heard ‘booming’ while the Marsh Harriers search for food for their young and the Barn Owl silently drifts across the pastures. In the summer there are many butterflies and dragonflies, of special note are the swallowtail butterfly and the Norfolk Hawker Dragonfly. Throughout the year Chinese Water Deer, Otters and Watervoles are commonly seen.

An inventory of the species found on or adjacent to the farm is available. Further afield are the nature reserves of Hickling Broad, Strumpshaw and the North Norfolk coast. Common Cranes at Hickling and Common Seal pups at Horsey Beach in the early winter are two seasonal wildlife highlights.