Winter boat trip on NWT Hickling Broad (10.30am)

Join us for a 90 minute guided boat trip and journey into the wild heart of Broadland. This unique excursion offers the opportunity to experience the peace and beauty of Hickling Broad National Nature Reserve in winter, while seeking out the remarkable array of wildlife that thrives here during the colder months.

During the trip we hope to see gatherings of wintering waterfowl, including tufted duck, pochard, mute swan, coot and several dabbling duck species. With a little luck, rarer visitors such as scaup, goosander, and a variety of grebes may make an appearance. We will keep an eye to the skies for flocks of pink-footed geese and winter thrushes, while numerous raptors hunt across the reedbeds and marshes before heading to their evening roost at Stubb Mill. There is always the possibility of rarer sightings too – from the elusive bittern and Broadland’s resident cranes, to otters and even red and Chinese water deer.

This immersive winter journey promises to be a memorable encounter with the wild side of the Norfolk Broads. We recommend that you bring your binoculars and cameras if you have them (a limited number of pairs are available to hire at the visitor centre).

Before or after your journey why not treat yourself to a warming meal at our pub, the Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling (just a 5 min drive from the reserve) - to book a table call 01692 780660.

Additional adult reserve entry fee applies for non-members - £5.00 gift aid / £4.50 standard entry payable on arrival at the visitor centre. NWT Members / Children 16 and under - free entry.

This event is not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

Please note:

There is a 20-minute walk to the boat departure point, we therefore ask that you arrive and check in at our visitor centre at least 30 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure time. To avoid waiting around in cold conditions the boat trips will depart at the scheduled time and will not be able to wait for late arrivals.

Important Health and Safety Information - please read prior to booking

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. If conditions allow, during the trip we may disembark the boat to visit secluded areas of the reserve (often via muddy trails). Passengers may 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. 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 credits: Elizabeth Dack

Photo credit: Maurice Funnell

Photo credit: Trevor Gray