Nature Notes

Many of our guests come to this part of England because they’re passionate about the natural world. 

Here in the Waveney River Valley, we are surrounded by very special and globally-rare habitat: grazing marsh, which is home to a wonderfully diverse range of bird, animal and plant life.

A recent survey recorded no less than 92 bird species in the meadows and marshes hereabouts, including kingfishers, hen harriers, marsh harriers, barn and tawny owls, snipe, skylarks and many more.

Many of these can be seen from your bedroom window in the grazing marshes leading down from Danegelts towards the river.

We have at least 17 mammal species, including hares, water voles and foxes. There are otters in the marshes, too, though you might need luck or patience to spot them. Muntjacs and Chinese water deer are frequently seen — and heard! — grazing in the fields below Danegelts.

9 species of butterfly have been recorded here, including small coppers, commas and red admirals. If you’re here during the warmer months you’ll often see a great swarm of butterflies feasting on the buddleia flowers.

We have a private “loke” (Norfolk dialect word for track or lane) that leads from the house down to the River Waveney. You are most welcome to explore if you would like to — just ask us and we will show you the way. 

And if you spot anything interesting or unusual in the nature department, please do let us know. Perhaps you can add to our 92 birds, 17 mammals and 9 butterflies!