Lady of the Reeds water trail (2.30pm)

As part of our Emma Turner Exhibition at NWT Hickling Broad, we invite you to join us as we return to the Edwardian era to learn about Emma Louise Turner, the ornithologist and pioneering bird photographer who became such an integral part of the history of the Hickling Broad National Nature Reserve. Take a boat trip onto Hickling Broad with our knowledgeable boatmen to see the area known as Miss Turner’s Island, where her purpose-built houseboat, Water Rail, was moored. Learn about the years she spent living on the Broad whilst observing and photographing its wildlife, and how she and Jim Vincent, the local keeper, searched the extensive reedbeds for proof of the return of the elusive bittern following its local extinction.

Trips will be of 60 minutes duration. This event is suitable for anyone over 12 years old.

Please be at the Visitor Centre a minimum of 30 minutes before the scheduled trip departure time to allow sufficient time for booking in and for adult non-members to pay the reserve admission fee of £4.50 (£5.00 Gift Aid) and to allow time for the 20-minute walk to the boat departure point (you will be given information relating to the location on arrival).

The boat trips will depart at the scheduled time, so please allow plenty of time to arrive at the boat departure point. Please be sure to read the email you will receive upon booking relating to information that you need to be aware of prior to the trip.

We recommend that you bring binoculars and cameras (a small number of binoculars are available to hire from the Visitor Centre).

Toilet facilities are available at the Visitor Centre, where light refreshments are also available to purchase.

Important Health and Safety Information - please read prior to booking

Please be prepared for cold or wet weather. We strongly recommend wearing stout and waterproof footwear and warm, waterproof clothing. To allow for maximum all-round observation the boat is an open craft and during the trip we will be entering some relatively exposed areas of the broad . Passengers will need to be able to negotiate a high step into the boat so please consider this, along with any mobility issues that you may have when making a booking. Please take caution when walking near open water and ensure that you always remain on the designated paths.

Important Information – please read our event refund policy below:

Tickets are non-refundable unless the event or activity is cancelled by Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

All events and activities will run subject to a minimum number of attendees. In the event that Norfolk Wildlife Trust has to cancel an event or activity due to low numbers, extreme weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control, we will inform you at the earliest opportunity and will offer a full refund. Please check our website www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk for event updates.

Photo credit: Emma Turner/BTO Archives