Wayland Wood (A woodland under threat)

 It has recently come to my attention that a further detrimental impact to our countryside and wildlife is under significant threat of harm, I am talking about the nationally important Wayland Wood, a very important SSSI  which has been existence for thousands of years but is now under threat from a 300 residential housing development plan.  I recently attended an informal meeting chaired by Tina Kiddell  (Breckland Councillor) , the meeting was attended by my good friends Sarah Lister, Darren Cowles, Clare Talbot, and Thomas (NWT).  We were presented with plans for developments in the Watton area which also highlighted the siting of the planned development at Wayland Wood.

We accept the need for housing, however, our concerns lie with the proximity of the planned development to Wayland Wood.  It is inconceivable that anyone with a conscience would consider building homes so close to the wood, a development would not be aesthetically pleasing, and the disturbance including noise and light pollution would alter the character of Wayland Wood forever, also the negative impact upon habitats and wildlife in the wood would be altered significantly for the first time in its several thousand year existence, all with the stroke of a pen by people who have no concerns for their actions upon wildlife.

1. Development plan for Watton 

Picture 1. This picture shows the development plan for Watton. Wayland Wood is the large green area at the bottom of the map. The blue area is the proposed site for 300 homes. Just look at the proximity of the blue area is to the north and north-western boundary of Wayland Wood.

It just seems inconceivable that anyone with good sense would allow such a plan to be drawn up.

As I wrote earlier, we accept that here is a need for housing but we do not accept that this is at the cost of our ever diminishing wildlife.  At the informal meeting we discussed the need for a buffer zone in order to safeguard the remaining valuable wildlife. In the next picture (2) I have provided an aerial view of Wayland Wood, beyond the NW boundary of the wood you will see a natural corridor which we have suggested forms a buffer between the wood and the planned development as a means to protect and safeguard the under threat wildlife.

2. Aerial view of Wayland Wood showing the natural wildlife/habitat corridor NW of the woodland boundary.

Wayland Wood is a vitally important site for habitats, plant life, and birds, I highlight one particular bird which occurs in Wayland Wood, the Woodcock, a ground-nesting bird which has undergone a significant fall in numbers with 35% of the population lost since 2000.  This species is sensitive to disturbance and the increase in the human population, dog walkers, noise, and light pollution, will only serve to further reduce numbers of the highly threatened Woodcock.  Wayland Wood is also home to common species such as Woodpeckers, Nuthatch, and in the summer months, Warblers which visit us from Africa. The Nightingale is now lost as a breeding species from Wayland Wood, increased human population probably has not helped here either.

Wayland Wood is also home to the Yellow Star of Bethlehem, this is the only site in Norfolk where this special plant grows.  

I have noticed with the increase in human population in the Watton area the problem of rubbish dumping in the wood has increased, this will undoubtedly continue to increase as the population grows.

Important

A council meeting is to be held at Queen's Hall in Watton on Friday 5 December 2025 at 1830hrs, I would urge anyone interested and indeed concerned about these development plans attend the meeting to show their support for Wayland Wood.  We also need answers from the council/planners/developers as to how they will safeguard Wayland Wood and the wildlife which calls it home.

Please contact me for further information at:

paulnewport2810@gmail.com  

Cley Marshes and Salthouse 25 November 2025 (with Darren Cowles)

0600 I was picked up by my dear friend Darren Cowles for a trip to Cley Marshes and arrived at the car park off the coast road at 0645.  A mixture of weather seen today included variable cloud, some threatening and eventually with rain, we also had bright and sunny weather. The main feature of the weather was the strong northerly wind and with the tide being high, some dramatic waves with some breaching of the shingle sea wall. Looking east along the beach the spray was driven inland to form a beautiful sea mist.

Immediately upon our arrival at the car park at 0645 Darren and I were greeted by the expected but stunning views of many hundreds of Pink-footed Geese rising up from the marsh and heading off inland to feed, not only great visually but audibly too.  A Cetti's Warbler was singing close to the coast road.  Overviewing the marsh before we set off saw hunting Marsh Harriers.

Heading off east along the path alongside the coast road saw a hunting Kestrel close to the roadside. We turned off the path to make for Bishop's Hide, a small bush held a single Reed Bunting and from the hide we saw a small spring of Teal and a single Shelduck.  Having departed the hide we heard the beautiful 'pinging' call of a number of Bearded Tits, but they remained unseen.

We reached East Bank for the long walk north to the beach where we walked into the strong wind. A check of Salthouse Marsh to the east saw a number of grazing Wigeon and in a nearby pool a single Little Grebe frequently plopped under water.  Further along East Bank a single Grey Heron stood motionless on the marsh.

As Darren and I continued along East Bank we often stopped to look back at the further skeins of Pink-footed Geese rising up and heading off inland.  About 6 Brent Geese also seen.

As we were on East Bank and with the light behind us we had further lovely views of hunting Marsh Harriers. A check of some pools further roosting Wigeon and a few Shelduck too.

We reached the shingle sea wall and spent a few minutes watching the very rough sea and big waves, some of which breached the sea wall with sea spray being driven inland on the strong northerly wind, dramatic but beautiful to watch.  

Myself and Darren returned for a slow walk south along East Bank with the wind now thankfully behind us. Few additional birds were seen on the return walk, other than 3 Little Grebes on a channel on Salthouse Marsh. As we approached the second half of the path we saw 3 Red Kites typically using their skills to remain on a steady course in the strong wind.  At the end of East Bank a single Grey Wagtail was seen and another Cetti's Warbler was heard singing. The walk west along the path to our earlier starting location saw a Buzzard low over fields. 

Having spent a great early morning visit on Cley Marshes, we decided to travel the short distance east to Salthouse. It was here where a very threatening black cloud mass out to sea was to bring someone rain.

At Salthouse Darren and I watched one of my favourite ducks, a stunning Pintail, a very smart duck.  Also a few Mallard, a couple of Shoveler, Moorhen, and a Water Rail were all seen within a small area of marsh and pools. We did have an encounter with a Mute Swan who became quite close and personal, and took a few bites of my camera lens along with the odd hiss, but once he knew he was getting nothing from us he waddled back into a nearby pool.

 

Pintail (a stunning male) at Salthouse was one of a pair seen.

A beautiful male Shoveler

Following our visit to this part of the North Norfolk Coast Darren and myself went for a delicious breakfast and a pot of tea in Cromer.

Finally, I wish to thank my dear friend Darren for taking me this morning to Cley Marshes. Thank you Darren 💖

Thompson (Woodland Trust site) 16 November 2025

 Rather annoyingly I slept in late this morning, I rarely sleep in and for me waking up at just after 0800, well, the day is over as I generally like to be out long before sunrise. I thought to myself that there was no point hurrying now so I took my time to have my first coffee of the morning and I eventually left home at around 0945.

Almost 300 acres of land at Thompson is now in the ownership of the Woodland Trust, the transformation of farmland into broadleaved woodland is currently in its very early days, and the habitat as it presents now is of open country with wide woodland rides. The land intended for tree planting is at the current time fields of short grasses and weeds which is well suited to Larks and Finches.  There is a long and mixed hedgerow alongside a footpath and there are peripheral fields intended for grazing.

My visit this morning began with a diminutive Goldcrest foraging in a hedge of Ivy, a very active little bird in its search for food.  

A long and mixed hedgerow alongside a footpath held lots of birds, as did the surrounding fields. An initial view from distance revealed lots of Linnets in the fields, the numbers eventually would be very notable.  As I slowly approached this open habitat I saw an estimated 300+ Linnets wandering the fields, many would use the hedgerow to drop down to a puddle where they would bathe.  There was probably in excess of 100+ Skylarks present along with good numbers of Meadow Pipits and 150+ Starlings too.

Meadow Pipit 16 November 2025

A very welcome 3 Woodlarks passed by and alighted on an area of grassland, the habitat as it looks at the current time is well suited to this species.   Just a single Reed Bunting was seen in a hedgerow.

I made my way to a large grass field with lots of tall weeds and patches of ground covering scrub, here I searched for Stonechat and eventually found a distant ♂ bird typically perched on the topmost parts of weeds.  

Walking back along the long hedgerow the impressive very large flock of Linnets continued to wander the fields with both Skylarks and Meadow Pipits.  Also in the hedgerow my second Stonechat of the morning used the topmost part of a hedge and fencing to watch from.

Having got back to my start point I thought having that unintended lay in wasn't so bad after all given the wonderful birdlife I encountered.  

Thompson Water 15 November 2025

 Following yesterdays heavy and persistent rainfall, the short drive from my home to Thompson Water saw much surface water on the roads and some tree debris too.  It was dull and grey at dawn, and in fact it remained this way for the day with poor quality light and at times reduced visibility due to light rain and drizzle.  The wind was a moderate easterly.

I arrived at Thompson Water at 0700, some 16 minutes prior to sunrise, the immediate damp woodland carr here held many calling Blackbirds, a Marsh Tit, and a mobile flock of Long-tailed Tits which also included a further two Marsh Tits, Blue Tits, and two Goldcrests.

Once at the waterside it was apparent that Mallard (277+) were present in good  numbers, along with about 10 Shoveler, many Gadwall, and several Teal which in included an arrival of 35+ of this diminutive duck.  About 10 Wigeon were present and occasionally the beautiful whistle-like call was heard.  Two Grey Herons were standing motionless in the shallows and in the reedbed scrub at least 3 Cetti's Warblers were singing and a Water Rail called.  

A sudden clatter of wings and the erratic departure of many Wood Pigeons immediately indicated to me the presence of a raptor. looking beyond the Pigeons I saw a Goshawk leisurely pass from left to right before disappearing silently out of sight.  

At around sunrise (although quite dark due to cloud cover), the first of a number of Crossbills were seen with a bird passing directly overhead calling it distinctive hard and repeated "chip" call.  Crossbills were seen or heard throughout the visit either passing overhead or perched in the top of tall conifers.

Another encounter between a ♀ Goshawk and Wood Pigeons was seen, a similar scenario as before with an erratic departure of pigeons, this was followed by the Goshawk singling out a Wood Pigeon which was missing its tail, the pigeon had a lucky escape and lived to fly another day.

The highlight of the morning was the arrival of 2 ♂♂ Goosanders onto the water, these stunning sawbills were quite conspicuous amongst the other duck species with their initial black and white appearance and large size, however, watching these beautiful birds the main features noted was the very dark, glossy green head which is clearly demarcated from the white neck and the slim bill which has a tiny hook at the tip. The breast and underparts are white with just a hint of a pinkish flush.  The back was black. The Goosanders would keep to the surface of the water and occasionally would submerge their heads to look for food. 

Male Goosanders on Thompson Water 15 November 2025

Thrushes were well represented by several Redwings, a single Fieldfare eating berries in a Hawthorn, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, and 10+ Blackbirds high in Birch trees with Redwings, clearly these Blackbirds were migrants from Northern Europe.

Finally, it was good to meet up with friend Sarah Harris and her beautiful dog 'Digger', Sarah as recently taken up the position of editor for the British Birds journal. Well done Sarah 👍

Thompson Water 6 November 2025 (0700-0930)

A stunning red sky greeted me at dawn at Thompson Water, that was it for any brightness as the rest of the visit saw full cloud with light rain and poor light quality, but it was very mild.

My aim at Thompson this morning was to carry out a wildfowl count as this site traditionally holds good numbers of common duck species. My count was as follows:

7 Mute Swan

2 Egyptian Geese

298+ Mallard

58+ Gadwall

10+ Shoveler

Teal (uncounted)

The Mallard count was very good and I expect this to increase as winter progresses, my top count for this species here at Thompson is 322+ birds.

Great White Egret at Thompson Water 6 November 2025

Also present at Thompson was a single Great White Egret wading in the shallows and carefully making its way over Water Soldier.  The Egret was often harrassed by a Grey Heron.  At least 3 Cetti's Warblers were singing in reedbed scrub habitat where a Water Rail called.

In the damp woodland carr habitat a mobile flock of Long-tailed Tits included Blue, Great, and Coal Tits, and up to 4 Goldcrests too. At least 5 Blackbirds were seen feeding in Hawthorn and overhead 3 Crossbills and a single Redpoll passed over, also, an arrival of 12 Lapwings seen. 

Wretham Heath 5 November 2025

 The large Wretham Heath Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve between Watton and Thetford on the A1075 road is without doubt one of my favourite locations for birding.  All seasons hold interest at Wretham but the heath at this time of year has an indescribable beauty to it with stunning autumnal colours which simply take ones breath away.

I arrived at Wretham at 0735 and straight away saw both Goldfinches and Long-tailed Tits in the scattered Hawthorns.  My plan this morning was to check the large expanse of open heathland with scattered Hawthorns for Great Grey Shrike, all I managed was a couple of Fieldfares and two Stonechats.  The landscape and habitat here is well suited to Great Grey Shrikes and occasionally in winter this stunning bird is seen atop of Hawthorns.

I then walked along Harling Drove with a visit to Ringmere planned, on route along the track at least 3 Crossbills passed over calling.  A ♂ Great Spotted Woodpecker spent a few minutes on the topmost spray of a tall Larch, also here was a couple of Blue Tits and Coal Tit. A Skylark passed over. A few small flocks of Redwings passed over with the largest flock seen of 20+ birds.

Walking to Ringmere I was struck by the incredible autumn colours of Beech and Birch trees, I also noted Blackthorns had very heavy crops of Sloes, possibly the most I have seen for a few years.

Beech and Birch woodland on Wretham Heath 5 November 2025

Blackthorn scrub (with heavy Sloe crop) on Wretham Heath 5 November 2025. 

 

Hornbeams on Wretham Heath

Historically, Wretham Heath was the Hawfinch capital of Norfolk, in his book 'Breckland Ramblings', the late local naturalist, George Jessup writes of the witnessing of three-figure totals of Hawfinches arriving at Wretham to roost, this was probably in the 1940's and 50's.  I ask, what's the betting that the long avenue of Hornbeams in the above picture played host to the magnificent Hawfinch.

It was whilst walking through this area that a further 5 Crossbills passed directly overhead and calling, although not confirmed these birds appeared to descend towards a small area of water known as Fenmere possibly to drink. 

Fenmere, a hidden gem.

 
I remained at Fenmere for a while and although I saw nothing here, just being at this wonderful site allows one to take in the primeval feel of this small mere.  

Nearby, a larger, circular body of water called Ringmere was the site of the 'Battle of Ringmere' which occurred on 5 May in the year 1010 between the Anglo-Saxons and the Danes. To be at this site on a misty morning certainly evokes thoughts of what has passed at this site throughout the previous millennium.

Ringmere - the site of the 'Battle of Ringmere' on 5 May 1010

Back to the present day at Ringmere and birds seen were Mallard (101+), Teal (77), Gadwall (2), and Tufted Duck (4).  4 Little Grebes were seen and often diving. A Sparrowhawk flew into the trees in the right of the picture. Hawthorn and Blackthorn scrub near Ringmere saw a single Goldcrest passing through and in a nearby thicket a noisy Marsh Tit was seen. 

Walking back over open heathland I was reminded of the importance of Rabbits on the heath, the presence of these mammals is essential for maintaining the heath for the benefit of specialised plant species, to prevent scrub encroachment, and to keep the heath grazed for the benefits of rare species such as the enigmatic Stone Curlew.   

A summary of observations for October 2025

August through to November is the most eagerly awaited for time of year in the birding calendar. August sees the first indications of bird migration and September sees the greatest movement of departing summer visitors. October however sees incredible movements of birds, many summer visitors remain but in lesser numbers, however, the main feature of bird migration is Thrush passage with Scandinavian species abandoning their breeding grounds to find good feeding and warmth further south, including here on my local Brecks patch. Bird species we are talking about here are Redwings, Fieldfare, Song Thrushes, and Blackbirds, it is these species which can provide spectacular overhead passage both by day and by night. I have seen thousands of these Thrushes pass over in a single morning, often, many will drop into berry laden hedgerows to plunder the berries before moving on. Other bird families to be looking for in October includes Pipits, notably Meadow Pipits which winter with us from their breeding grounds in upland Britain. The arrival of Finches from Scandinavia can present in spectacular numbers with Bramblings, Siskins, Redpoll, and Crossbills being the sought after species by birders.

Further afield to the south-west, most especially in the Scilly Isles, and following Atlantic storms, the islands play host to rarities from the Americas including stunning Warblers along with other storm driven species.

Closer to home on my Breckland patch the following is a highlight of observations and species seen throughout October 2025.

2 October Little Cressingham. My first local field trip in October was to be a productive one, I visited the Watton Brook valley on the Great Cressingham Road, as soon as I arrived I saw 5 Red Kites perched together in a dead Oak, of these, two were juvenile birds. Nearby, I saw my first winter Thrush species of the autumn, two Redwings, a beautiful but small Thrush with a striking head pattern and a reddish patch on its flanks which gives the bird its name. Using my scope to check the distant valley I could see 5 Meadow Pipits on fencing along Watton Brook, these were probably newly arrived migrants from Northern Britain. Stonechats were also present in the valley. At least 10 Carrion Crows were noisily calling in woodland, it appeared they were directing their anger at a raptor species, my suspicions proved correct, a Goshawk flew from the wood, these noisy Crows kept a keen eye on the Goshawk as they appear on its menu at times. Lastly, a small flock of 4 Crossbills (including two males) dropped into Watton Brook to drink, as they flew off the brick red plumage and stunning crimson rump of the male Crossbills was seen.

5 October. This was a windy day, however, the remnants of storm Amy which passed through on 4 October had left its mark with plenty of debris laying around including some sizeable branches. This morning I visited a game strip at Little Cressingham which I know would be reliable for Finch species, here, I saw an estimated 70+ Chaffinches and 80+ Linnets which were attracted to weed seeds for feeding. Overhead 3 Crossbills passed over calling.

8 October. I revisited the large game strip at Little Cressingham where Chaffinches were increasing with 97+ birds present, an added bonus was a single ♀ Brambling, a Northern European Finch which is a winter visitor here. Overhead, another Breckland speciality seen, a singing Woodlark.

Brambling. A stunning Finch from Scandinavia

9 October. A visit to The Arms area saw 2 Woodlarks (included a singing ♂) and 3 Crossbills sitting in the very tops of tall conifers near the Clermont estate.

12 October. A very productive visit to Thompson Water saw 142+ Mallard on the water and 3 singing Cetti’s Warblers heard in reedbed scrub. A Green Sandpiper was seen and 4 Woodlarks were overhead. Two Ravens passed overhead and a male Marsh Harrier was seen. Summer visitors were still in evidence with a single Chiffchaff in woodland and a House Martin over the water. Also seen in the water was two Otters and distantly, roaring Red Deer stags were heard.

13 October. An early morning visit to The Arms at Little Cressingham began with an overflying Goshawk at dawn. Several winter Thrushes were passing overhead and a single Great White Egret headed north.

14 October. At least 3 Woodlarks were seen in The Arms area along with a single Chiffchaff in a nearby hedgerow. 4 Crossbills low overhead and calling headed west.

16 October. Two Ravens flew directly overhead at Little Cressingham and lighted in the tops of tall pines where exceptional views of this huge crow were had.

18 October. A fantastic mornings visit to Cranberry Rough which began with a calling Goshawk at dawn. Two Ravens passed over and two Marsh Harriers also seen. Finch species dominated with 60+ Siskins, two Redpoll, and 37+ Crossbills seen. This is turning into a great autumn for Crossbills.

An excellent morning on 18 October for Crossbills

19 October The Arms. A good morning for watching passage Fieldfare and Redwings with some dropping into hedgerows to feed upon Hawthorn berries. Impressive numbers of Finches seen at a large game strip included 250+ Chaffinches, 100+ Linnets, and at least 7 Bramblings too with one a particularly brightly coloured ♂ with orange scapulars and breast.

20 October Thompson Water. A Great White Egret was wading in the shallows, this is a beautiful, large, white Egret which appears very stately and elegant as it moves stealthily in its search for food. An excellent count of 242+ Mallard on the water was rather impressive. In a small area of Birch woodland and Hawthorn scrub an arrival of winter Thrushes was evident with 60+ Redwings, Fieldfare, and 6+ Blackbirds, all of which probably had Northern European origins.

21 October Hilborough. I decided upon a walk around the churchyard at Hilborough and to enjoy the views over parkland. Looking through the tall trees within the park I saw a Peregrine on a branch feeding upon a Pigeon. Although distant I had superb views through my telescope of this impressive raptor.

22 October Foulden. I parked up alongside the Foulden Road to check the large fields when I saw a disorganised and rapid departure of many Wood Pigeons from woodland, I straight away knew a raptor was present, my suspicions were confirmed when a Goshawk flew at speed from the woodland, singled out a Wood Pigeon, chased it and easily caught the Pigeon, a hearty breakfast. Also seen here was 150+ Skylarks, Woodlark, a ♀ Stonechat, and many Redwings which were attracted to Hawthorn and Buckthorn to feed upon berries.

27 October Thompson Water. A good morning for wildfowl on the water with an excellent 250 Mallard and 64+ Gadwall counted.  At least 3 singing Cetti's Warblers heard and a single Chiffchaff was seen and heard in waterside woodland. A Great White Egret was wading in the shallows in its search for food. Two Ravens passed overhead.

Great White Egret at Thompson Water 27 October

30 October Wretham and Thetford.  A work day today and whilst at Wretham a good count of 300+ Lapwings passed low between farmland.  In Thetford (Cloverfields) a Sparrowhawk passed high overhead.

31 October Barford, Norfolk. The final bird of the month was a single Woodcock overflying the village at dusk, a beautiful silhouetted view of this enigmatic species.