Ant Broads and Marshes NNR
Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
County: Norfolk
Main habitats: Peatland
Area: 178 ha
Site map: Nature on the Map.
The Ant Broads and Marshes NNR is part of the Ant Broads and Marshes Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It includes Barton Broad, owned and managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, and Catfield Fen.
Parts of Catfield Fen are leased and managed by the Trust, while the area known as the Catfield Fen Reserve is owned and managed by Butterfly Conservation.
The area is a Ramsar site and a possible Special Area of Conservation (pSAC).
Barton Broad is a mediaeval peat digging that drains into the River Ant. The surrounding fen was exploited for peat in the mid 19th century and was more recently managed for commercial sedge and reed.
The broad is ringed by areas of reedswamp that provide a nesting habitat for wildfowl such as gadwall, pochard, teal, shoveler and tufted duck. There is a large population of swallowtail butterflies, and a significant number of rare and uncommon dragonflies, moths, beetles and flies.
The fens are home to the nationally rare crested buckler fern. Nationally important areas of carr woodland (fen woodlands dominated by alder) are also present.
Location and access
The broad is accessed via the A1151. The villages of Irstead, Barton Turf and Neatishead are close to the broad and all have parking areas.
The nearest train station is Hoveton & Wroxham, 8 km to the south west.
Local bus services are provided by First Group.
There is a circular boardwalk on the broad near Irstead but elsewhere access is limited due to the marshy ground. Visitors can take boat trips from the moorings near Neatishead.
Catfield Fen is on the eastern side of the broad, 1.5 km west of Catfield village. Catsfield is near the A149 and parking is available in the village.
Due to the marshy ground the fen is only accessible on open days, however the area can be viewed from the boundary. Contact Butterfly Conservation for details of open days.
Facilities
The nearest toilets and refreshment facilities are in the local villages.
