Cockshoot is part of the 412 hectare Bure marshes national nature reserve (NNR), and is owned (along with Ranworth broad) by the wonderful Norfolk Wildlife Trust, another of the organisations that really have made life better for those of us who live here and are keen on the broads. Originally excavated by peat diggers in the Dark Ages, when the sea level was much lower, today  Cocksoot is one of the best sights of the Broadland panorama.

Walk along the boardwalk in Summer (the best time to visit) beside the Bure, there’s plenty of Coot and Mallard, and you’d be unlucky not to see ‘Old Frank’ posing for the camera. Tune your ears into the songs of Warblers  darting though the reeds beside you,  attempt to differentiate the Reed and  Sedge. Reed warbler being a little more musical. Easier are the perpetual reeling of the Grasshopper warbler and the explosive call of the Chettis . Look at the reed itself. Can you see any Sedge in there? Feel the edge of the leaves, Sedge has a sharp, serrated edge, hence ‘Saw Sedge’. You might well also find Rush which was once, long ago, utilised for candle wicks.
Wander along by Cockshoot dyke which is really something to behold, dammed from the river, it’s had extensive restoration work in recent years and the water’s crystal clear. The low nutrient content affords a perfect environment for a myriad of Broadland aquatic plants such as Water Lilly, Frogbit, Water Violet and Water Soldier. If it’s fine and warm why not sit along the edge of the dyke and try and identify the different flora. This is also an excellent habitat for Dragon and Damsel flies, so whilst you’re leaning back and enjoying the tranquillity of the moment look out for the magnificent Norfolk hawker dragonfly, always a significant presence with those green eyes and clear wings,  although you’re more likely to see the golden winged Brown hawker which is similarly stunning but more widespread. The other local rarity is the red eyed damselfly, much more slight, you’ll have to tune your eyes, try looking on and around the elegant Water Lilies, could be your luck’s in!

After a while, sitting around with the sun on your back makes you feel lethargic, and this could be such  a lovely place to curl up and have a sleep, pity there are one ore two other people around; better to maybe shake it off and stride on up to the hide. The sun’s in a difficult spot but look out onto the water, there's Gadwall, ‘Tufty, and Mallard & there might even be a Garagany poking around the margins over the back. Best look out for that Kingfisher, perched and intently watching. Fish jump occasionally, looks like they’re just enjoying themselves, seems the harmony of the place is almost tangible, maybe you aught to have that nap after all.

Getting there : Grid ref TG 343163. Travel out of  Ranworth towards Salhouse, and take a right turn down to the river just before Woodbastwick village. Alternatively by boat (ideally by Canoe) navigate up the Bure from St.Bennets abbey past Ranworth cut until you see a mooring, with a small dam, on your port side this is the end of Cockshoot dyke, You should be able to se a skeleton mill through the Alder on the other side of the river, ahead.

Amenities: Parking, the road is sometimes flooded in winter, bit too deep for my car. Summer might also bring the ice cream van out if you’re in luck.

Need more information : Call 01603 625540
 

Wilds of Norfolk was set up because of our unquenchable enthusiasm for the Norfolk Broads,  our small part of the natural world. We thought we'd like to try and give something back by helping other people enjoy the countryside and it's wildlife as well as do our own little bit to promote an interest in the natural world and it's conservation , not only for the wildlife but for the sheer exuberance of the precious life we're lucky enough to get the chance to live.

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