Wheatfen today is the beguiling legacy of one mans dream and enduring fascination. Ted Ellis spent over 40 years studying this area making this one of the best understood fenlands in England . The results of medieval peat digging this wetland area,today is  recognised as a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Wheatfen edges the river Yare and protects Norwich  as part of a flood alleviation system that also includes Strumpshaw fen on the opposite bank.
The reserve comprises over 50 hectares of reed bed, tidal dykes, broads and carr with an associated walk, which can take you between an hour, and all day; depending on how close you look or how keen you become. I’m sure I read that Ted Ellis didn’t believe that nature is ‘tidy’ by design; and for me the charm of Wheatfen derives from this fact, that although managed it feels like nature just meant it this way. There’s an ambience here that I’ve not really experienced at other reserves in the broads; a sort of ancient primeval fecundity that for some inexplicable reason just seem to make sense.
A visit is worthwhile any time of the year, depending on what you’re ardent about, summer brings swathes of striking yellow flag and an array of dragon flies. Hawkers such as Southern, Migrant, and Brown and even Norfolk can be seen at associated times of the year, and if you have lepidopterous leanings look out for Swallowtail butterflies along with the more common place such as Orange tip and Comma. Winter hastens the arrival of Fieldfare and Redwing. It’s downpours give a beautiful melancholy perspective, but with it the prospect of Chinese water deer grazing the less waterlogged paths and maybe even a fox padding silently along it’s boundaries.
Saunter over to the hide and marvel at all the depictions of Wheatfen then and now. There’s wonderful lack of ‘corporate feel’ here that transports you back to the authenticity of a more innocent past. It’s handy to have the informative pictures of flora and fauna if you’re too lazy to bring the guides (like me).
Look out over the pool, where you may see Bearded tits (ping, ping) flitting in the reeds and listen out for warblers in summer, Blackcap, Reed, Sedge, Willow and the like are all worth trying to identify by call unless you’re lucky enough to get a good look with the binoculars.
Wander along the track where I’ve seen Green Woodpeckers searching for ants and along toward the river and around, keeping an eye open for visiting Harriers and ‘Old Frank’ gliding overhead. Back across the end of the dyke, scan down it’s length with the binoculars, Coot ,Teal, Mallard, might even be a Dabchick if you’re really lucky. Move along towards the woods and look out for squirrels, but don’t forget to keep you eyes peeled for the odd Stoat or Weasel patrolling the margins in search of Rabbit and Vole. Feel you pulse slow as you get to the diminutive broads.  Sit down on the bench and after a while just drift away into peaceful reverie, you mightn’t even notice that azure flash as a Kingfisher alights on his favourite perch not many feet away!  Got to get up sometime I suppose so pad along back into the swampy woodlands, along the dyke and eventually into a drier area where you may see the odd Nuthatch and hear the comfortable warmth of summer in the guise of a Turtle dove’s hypnotic call. Wheatfen,open dawn till dusk 365 days a year is run by the Ted Ellis Trust, who’s full time warden unofficially holds position of worlds most enthusiastic conservationist!  In this, the era of the unquestionably corporate grey and personal beige I'm sure I hear you shout yes,yes,YES  a human being  at last !!!!!!!!!

Getting there : Grid ref : TG325057 Landranger 134. Off the A47, Norwich Southern Bypass, take the road to Surlingham and Bramerton, the reserve is signposted at Surlingham villiage.

Amenities :Car park, hides, sense of soothing calm.
 

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.

Webmaster:  Old Frank , 1 Hall Cottages Freethorpe Road Southwood Norfolk NR13 3LR
copyright Wilds of  Norfolk 2003,