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.

COVID-19 Update Monday 12th April 2021

Further to the lifting of restrictions on Monday 12th April 2021 the NOA reserves and car parks remain open to visitors but hides remain closed. We are hoping to be able to open hides to visitors on Monday 17th May 2021 in line with expected changes to government restrictions, and will post further updates on this page prior to the changes commencing.
We continue to thank all our members and visitors for their patience, and for continuing to keep our staff and visitors safe.



Trial of Booking System for NWT Holme Dunes From Saturday 24th April



Owing to recent visitor numbers, NWT Holme Dunes Reserve is trialling a booking system for its Car Park. Until 6th September 2021 those members and visitors wishing to park in the NWT Car Park will need to book online for Weekends, Bank Holidays, or in School Holidays to ensure they can get a place. Booking is not necessary outside these times, and is not required for access to any other part of the reserve. Parking remains free for NWT members and blue badge holders.
This may affect many of our members, and we would like to clarify that NOA members do not need to book to use the NOA car park at any time between dawn and dusk. For NOA members who also belong to NWT and wish to visit both reserves, please park in the NOA car park if you do not wish to book in advance for the Holme Dunes Reserve Car Park.

Holme Bird Observatory Wednesday 15th July 2020


A Great White Egret and 15 Black-tailed Godwits were seen over the grazing marsh and a Green Woodpecker was seen near the Car Park. A sea watch produced counts of 237 Sandwich Tern, 200 Knot, 16 Common Scoters and three Gannets.
The moth trap produced over 40 species again, which included Garden Tiger, Pine and Poplar Hawk-moths, Coxcomb Prominent, Drinker and Chinese Character.

Coxcomb Prominent

Chinese Character
Norfolk News from RARE BIRD ALERT
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Norfolk Wood Sand Cley NWT from East Bank
Norfolk 6.Garganey (ad.fem +5.young) y'day Buckenham Marshes RSPB
Norfolk 3.Cattle Egrets Burnham Norton with cattle at midday. 7.Spoonbills on pools. Great White Egret flew east
Norfolk Large Tortoiseshell butterfly still 10am Strumpshaw Fen RSPB in cherry tree by Reception Hide but no further sign by 12.20pm
Norfolk 2.Velvet Scoters flew west past Cley NWT 8am-10.30am
Norfolk no further sign of Large Tortoiseshell butterfly Strumpshaw Fen RSPB in cherry tree by Reception Hide by 12.20pm
Norfolk Large Tortoiseshell butterfly still Strumpshaw Fen RSPB in cherry tree by Reception Hide at 9am
Norfolk Black Redstart Sea Palling at allotment this morning
Norfolk Great White Egret Cley NWT still in North Drain east of East Bank at 7.45am