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A secret birthday present day out walking in the Brecks, Norfolk, and on Thompson Heath, Norfolk, to see flora and fauna specific to the areas visited. I really cannot commend Mike Crewe, the tour leader, too highly. He was exceptionally well-informed and friendly at the same time. I would be delighted to have another walking day with him as tour leader. Naturetrek were easy to deal with and friendly on the phone. We'd definitely use them again.
P.T. Norfolk, Jul 21
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Breckland Heaths & Wetlands (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR96A day exploring some of East Anglia's finest heathland and wetland habitats in search of birds, flora, dragonflies and butterflies.
We hope to run this tour in the future, but have not yet finalised dates and prices. To be added to a waiting list and be informed when details are confirmed, please click on the register interest button, or phone 01962 733051.
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Summary
The Brecks of East Anglia offer British naturalists their only piece of continental climate, where relatively cold winters and hot summers conspire to create a wonderful habitat of thin sands over chalk, all sculpted by the forces of glaciers. We’ll begin with a visit to a couple of the finest heathland reserves, where specialities such as Spanish Catchfly, Sickle Medick (and its funky-coloured hybrids) and Purple Milk-vetch should all be in flower. Proliferous Pink, Purple-stem Cat’s-tail, Smooth Rupturewort and Perennial Knawel are just some of the strange names that we’ll be rolling around our tongues, before we ring the changes in the afternoon and investigate some ice-sculpted wetland habitats known as pingoes. Dragonflies and damselflies abound in these herb-rich waters, with Scarce Emerald being a particular prize here. With chalk grassland grazed by British Longhorn cattle, this amazing area always feels like a throwback to a gentler time and truly bristles with a great wealth of wildlife. Photographic opportunities will be plentiful.
- Enjoy species-rich grass heaths that are relics of a Neolithic landscape
- Some of Britain’s rarest plants, including the wonderfully named Spanish Catchfly, Smooth Rupturewort, Purple-stem Cat’s-tail and Perennial Knawel
- A visit to some of Breckland’s best preserved pingoes – wetlands that were formed during the ice-age
- Dragonflies and damselflies should include a busy breeding colony of Robust Spreadwings
- Fingers crossed for a Pool Frog – one of Britain’s rarest amphibians!
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At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
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- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
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