Holme Bird Observatory (Header)

This is a polite reminder to all our members that our subscription rates have increased from 1st January. If you pay by standing order and have not yet done so, please amend your standing order to the new rate. More details can be found here. We are small charity reliant on the generosity of our supporters through membership subscriptions and donations. Why not become a member. For a minimum of £25 you can get all the benefits of being a member of the NOA. Just click the button on the right below. Or, if you would like to support us with a donation, it is very easy to do through our portal at VirginMoneyGiving. Just click the button on the right to go to our dedicated page. Thank you.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE – NOA RESERVES TO RE-OPEN FROM MONDAY 13TH JULY 2020

We are delighted to announce that we will be welcoming visitors back to Holme Bird Observatory from Monday 13th July 2020, and we are very much looking forward to seeing you once again. Thank you to all our members and visitors for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Please be aware that we are not yet able to restore full access.

Some restrictions must continue and these are as follows: Hempton Marsh and Walsey Hills reserves will be re-opening to visitors on 13th July, but hides on these reserves will remain closed. At Holme the following hides will remain closed for the time being: Redwell Marsh hide, Car Park hide, Sea-watching hide, Dell hide and Broadwater hide. The Bus-Stop, Dowson and Richardson hides will be accessible to one household at a time, and the viewing platform and seating area outside the cordon will be available as well, with social distancing in place. The Observatory building will also remain closed to visitors, but a member of staff will be able to come out to meet you. We do regret that for now visitors will not be able to empty moth traps with our staff, but we will retain specimens of special interest for visitors to view at a safe distance. We will continue to charge day permit fees.

We are very sorry not to offer a fuller visitor experience just yet, but these measures are for everyone's safety and we do appreciate your understanding. We will continue to review hide closures, and will post any changes on our website.

GO WILD AT DROVE 2017


Barn Storming Day for Go Wild at Drove
 
Go Wild at Drove saw it’s second year hailed an even bigger success with loads to do and see at Drove Orchards. Volunteers from the Norfolk Ornithologists’ Association were on hand to ring visitors to the event, giving out details of birds caught at Drove over the last 7 years, and some of the amazing journeys they have made, together with goody bags which included freshly picked apples from the orchard. There were also moths, caterpillars, and a wide range of real wildlife objects from Drove all on display. The day included two wildlife walks, a tour of the orchard led by owner Andrew Jamieson, the inspection of two moths traps and a series of activities in the barn for kids and families.

A moth trap from the reedbed is emptied
 
A total of 36 species of birds, 43 species of moths, 11 species of butterfly and 5 species of dragonfly were recorded at Drove during the day, the highlight being a rare Tissue moth caught in the reedbeds on the north side of the estate. Good birds recorded on the day included a Great White Egret, Grasshopper Warbler and Crossbill.

Orchard owner Andrew Jamieson explains the different varieties on the orchard walk

The event was very well attended and we would like to thank everyone for coming to take part and find out more about the wonderful wildlife at Drove Orchards. We look forward to repeating the event next year!

Tissue moth caught at Drove on August 5th - photo by Guy Barker