This area of scrubland on the edge of Thetford is regarded as the second best site in Norfolk to see Hawfinch. Situated as close as it is to the town does mean that you have to make an early visit to see this rather elusive bird. It dores not hang around once the joggers and dog walkers arrive!
Some areas of this site can be viewed from the A134 Thetford to Bury St Edmunds road. However to fully appreciate this site it is best to walk amongst the scrub along a web of paths which can be difficult to negotiate when wet. This site is not particularly accessible for naturalists with mobility problems! Most of the scrub comprises Hawthorn and Gorse.
Woodlark can be heard singing from late February onwards, with Nightingale joining in from late April onwards. Other spring and summer visitors include Turtle Dove, Cuckoo and a wide range of warblers.
DIRECTIONS
A11 to Thetford, then south on A134 towards Bury S t Edmunds. Over a mini roundabout and through the lights. Immediately after this the housing estate on your right ends and you will notice a filling station. Park on the right just past the filling station. There is also parking a little further along on the left of the A134. From here you can walk along the common towards the Little Ouse River and view the BTO's Nunnery Lake.
| OS MAP | Landranger 144 |
| Grid Ref | TL867817 |
| Open | All Year-Winter/Spring best |
| Toilets | In Thetford |
| Refreshments | In Thetford |
| Terrain | Level, but uneven. Can be wet |
| Sevices | Bus and Rail link to Thetford |
Sites Close By
BTO Nunnery Lakes, Santon Downham, Brettenham Heath, East Wretham Heath, High Lodge.