Exploring Norfolk: Wells-Next-The-Sea

The grammar of this place name irritates me, but that is the only negative point! We stayed for 4 days at the Pinewoods Caravan park, which has been in operation since before the 2nd World War. Backing onto the salt marshes, and close to many woodland trails, it was a great place for wildlife watching, cycling and walking.

Marsh harriers were ever present, hunting low over the flat fields.

Buzzards and red kites were also a regular sight over the fields.

Around the campsite and surrounding areas were hundreds of wood pigeons; cooing late into the night. I have never seen so many!

We wandered through the woodland walk up to the beach on Wednesday evening and were greeted by the beautiful site of a long row of beach huts, all brightly painted giving off a Victorian seaside feel.

After a cooling dip in the sea for Pepper, we wandered back to the van for a BBQ and saw a beautiful sunset to round off our first day in Wells.

On Thursday, we took a long walk around the nature reserve to one of the bird hides to look for wading birds.

The water was hidden behind a row of trees, and the birds, though prolific were just outside my focal range, despite using the 600mm lens. The pictures aren’t great but we spotted Spoon bills and Great Egrets flying around the fields.

Walking back to the van, we encountered some caterpillars on the path; the first from a cinnabar moth, the second from a Saturnia pavonia, the small emperor moth.

***Saturnia pavonia*** caterpillar (Peppers nose for scale!)

On the final mile, Pepper had had enough and the heat was getting to her, so she hitched a lift.

As we fussed over Pepper, a very loud song was heard from the bushes and we were delighted to see a Sedge Warbler belting out a cracking tune!

We also saw several Dunnocks, Chiff Chaffs and Willow Warblers on the walk back. Later, a female black cap peeped from the trees: she was so fast, the picture is poor but her rust coloured cap is just about visible.

Back at the van, Pepper relaxed in a chair whilst Mark went off to the Crab House to collect our dinner; lobster platter, served with a bottle of fizz. A perfect end to the day.

Thursday dawned a little cooler, so I took the opportunity to run up to Holbeck Village.

I felt for the groundskeeper who had responsibility for the bins: a large flock of Jackdaws had taken to opportunity to empty the dog poo bin and were throwing the contents around one of the verges!

As the day grew hotter, I slowed to a walk and fished my camera (short lens only!) out of my pack and checked out the surroundings.

The butterflies were plentiful, but hard to photograph, although I managed to capture decent pictures of a large white and a ringlet.

A reed bunting and a young goldfinch paused to left me snap them also!

As I returned into the campsite, I spotted a small grey bird high in the bushes; a lesser white throat!! I tried to get him, but he took off so quickly that his wings cover the bright white chest, but you can just about see the grey head.

Our plan for the afternoon was to visit the town and eat out. We started along the promenade but the sun was so fierce, Pepper was not happy. We returned and she took advantage of her cool mat (fresh from the freezer!) and retreated under the van.

As the evening cooled, I walked back out onto the marsh path to watch the waders fly back to their roosts, and see what else was active as the sun began to set;

As I walked up the path, a young Sparrowhawk was resting on the gravel. I took a (huge!) number of pictures before the mobbing of swallows drove it over the fields to find another place to relax!

There was a hint of rain in the air as we packed up to go to our final destination of the week; Hanworth Country Park, just outside Lincoln.

By the time we got there, the mercury was pushing to 30, so we got the chairs out and soaked up the sun for our last day. We took a late wander around the park and lakes; there were lots of young birds in the hedgerows and on the water.

After an early dinner, we retired early and watched the sunset over the trees, sad to return home after such a wonderful week exploring the South East.