Bure Marshes NNR
The Bure Marshes NNR includes four broads: Hoveton Great Broad, Decoy Broad, Ranworth Broad and Cockshoot Broad.
County: Norfolk
Main habitats: Peatland
Area: 412 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map.
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.
Hoveton Great Broad and Decoy Broad are mostly in private ownership and managed by Natural England. Ranworth Broad and Cockshoot Broad are owned and managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
To view a map of the reserve, click here.: (161kb)
The broads are disused peat workings dug between AD 900 and 1350 and represent an example of un-reclaimed marshland supporting a wide range of the plant and animal communities. The area displays a wide range of habitats in the succession from open water to carr woodland (fenland woods dominated by alder trees).
Rare plants include the crested buckler fern, while the invertebrate fauna includes some of Britain's rarest aquatic insects. Rare butterflies, moths and spiders are also present, the NNR being one of the main sites for the endangered swallowtail butterfly.
Location and access
The NNR is approximately six km east of Wroxham. The nearest railway stations are Hoveton & Wroxham and Salhouse.
Hoveton Great Broad has a nature trail but is only accessible via boat on the River Bure. Alternatively there is a ferry service which runs to the Trail during opening hours, for further information please go to www.salhousebroad.org.uk. The trail is open between April and mid-September.
Decoy Broad is not open to the public.
Cockshoot Broad is near the village of Woodbastwick (accessible via the A1151 or B1140). The broad has a boarded walkway leading to a hide.
Ranworth Broad is near the village of Ranworth (accessible via the A1151 or B1140). The broad has a floating visitor centre accessible via boardwalk.
Facilities
The nearest parking, toilet and refreshment facilities are in the villages of Woodbastwick and Ranworth. Woodbastwick has a visitor centre at Woodforde's brewery.
