Look out across the vast and dramatic Wash, and watch tens of thousands of birds take to the air, shimmering and whirling above the mudflats in a feathered cacophony.
Snettisham reserve sits on the stunning Norfolk coast, tucked into the huge Wash. Enjoy panoramic views across brackish lagoons, salt marsh and a vast expanse of mudflats.
From late summer to early winter, tens of thousands of wading birds gather on the mudflats where they roost overnight. During an incoming tide, these birds are pushed closer to the beach and on especially high spring tides, vast flocks of Knot, Dunlin and Oystercatchers take to the air en masse as the water covers the mudflats. The commotion of thousands of wingbeats, excited calls and swirling flocks creates an exhilarating nature spectacle. We call this the 'whirling wader spectacular', a special event that doesn't happen every day. Check out our Snettisham Spectacular Dates and Times guide below for your best chance of seeing it. Please do not expect to see the Snettisham wildlife spectacles outside of the dates and times we have selected. You may be disappointed.
During the winter months, up to 40,000 Pink-footed Geese make their way from Iceland and Greenland to gather on the The Wash. At first light they take flight in close V-shaped formations of trailing skeins across the pale sky of a Norfolk dawn. The high-pitched 'wink-wink' sound of geese calling to each other resonates across the seascape then slowly diffuses as they head inland to find food for the day.
The car park is shared with the local angling club. Reserve visitors should use the marked bays at the end of the access road. There are 80 spaces in this area.
Please do not park on the side of the access road or in marked bays belonging to the angling club.
Visitors with special access needs can contact Titchwell Marsh (titchwell@rspb.org.uk) for an accessibility permit to park closer to the hides. There are limited spaces available and permits are issued on a first come, first served basis. Please contact the reserve at least five working days prior to date of visit.
Please note that our car park has a height barrier of 2.1m (6' 9"), with no alternative parking for tall vehicles.
Coach parties must please contact Titchwell Marsh nature reserve prior to visiting.
No lighting. No overnight parking or camping.
We have a parking machine and parking app. RSPB members need to get a ticket from the machine (free of charge).
There is an accessible, waterless and chemical-free toilet in the main car park on the reserve. This toilet is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Please note, this toilet does not have baby changing facilities. Snettisham reserve is unstaffed and this facility will be checked on a regular basis, but this may not be daily.
We don’t have any changing facilities here. The nearest public toilets can be found at Heacham Beach South, which is a 10 minute drive from the reserve.
From the car park to the reserve the access path has 53 steps with handrails, width restrictions and uneven, compacted gravel and sand surface.
Three signposted trails of different lengths and mixture of flat and undulating surfaces. Part of the Loop trail, from the special access parking area to the Shore hide is a cement concrete path adapted for wheelchair users and other visitors with access needs.
From the car park to the reserve the access path has 53 steps with handrails, width restrictions and uneven, compacted gravel and sand surface.
Three signposted trails of different lengths and mixture of flat and undulating surfaces. Part of the Loop trail, from the special access parking area to the Shore hide is a cement concrete path adapted for wheelchair users and other visitors with access needs.
There is an accessible, waterless and chemical-free toilet in the main car park on the reserve. This toilet is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per week. Please note, this toilet does not have baby changing facilities. Snettisham reserve is unstaffed and this facility will be checked on a regular basis, but this may not be daily.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted here at any time.
Assistance Dogs and other well-behaved dogs on leads welcome at all times.
Assistance Dogs and other well-behaved dogs on leads welcome at all times.
RSPB Snettisham is home to one of the UK’s most jaw-dropping natural events. Just a few days of the year, tens of thousands of waders swirl in the skies, mesmerising visitors to the North Norfolk nature reserve. Follow the link to learn more about the Wader Spectacular and how to book your parking space.
Discover exciting events all year at Snettisham.
RSPB Snettisham is home to some of the UK’s most jaw-dropping natural displays. In winter, trailing skeins of Pink-footed Geese flood the skies at sunrise and sunset, wowing visitors to the North Norfolk nature reserve. Follow the link to discover more about these fabulous formation flyers.
Groups are welcome by prior arrangement. Please contact Titchwell Reserve on 01485 210779 prior to your visit.
We know that Snettisham is a special place for many. If you or your loved one have shared happy memories there, you can make a donation to the reserve on our dedication page. It can be in celebration or in memory, and you can post an image along with your message.
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