Boy using a wheelchair at a reserve (credit: Adrian Clarke)
Accessible nature reserves
We are committed to providing access to nature for everyone. Some of our sites already have accessible features and we are continually working to create new ways for more visitors to enjoy Norfolk’s wildest places.
Walk grading
Our sites allow for a range of walks that depend on their size and terrain. On each nature reserve page, we’ve given approximate gradings for walks across the site to help your visit:
Grade 1: Comfortable walking
Grade 2: Some rougher tracks
Grade 3: Tracks may be difficult
Accessibility across our nature reserve network
Barton Broad and Marshes
Barton Broad has a dedicated disabled car park with 3–4 spaces. From the car park, the reserve is accessible via boardwalk, through alder carr woodland to a viewing platform overlooking Barton Broad.
Cley and Salthouse Marshes
Reserve:
From the visitor centre car park, cross the road using a pedestrian crossing to enter the reserve. There is a hardened path made of compacted hoggin. Head left to reach a boardwalk, with passing areas, to the hides or turn right to reach Bishops Hide. Continuing to the right it is possible to access East Bank, where there are steps and a slope for easy access. East Bank is raised, with a hardened path made from compacted hoggin, that stretches towards the beach overlooking the reserve.
Visitor centre:
Disabled car parking spaces are provided with rough surface leading to the centre. There are push button doors, a lift to access the main centre, disabled toilets, a hearing loop and a wheelchair available.
Hickling Broad and Marshes
Reserve:
From the visitor centre there are accessible trails to Cadbury and Seckers hides and the view point on the broad. Perch benches are located along the trails. Please note there is a requirement to open and close gates while following some of the paths. We can offer limited parking close to Bittern hide and our raptor roost watch point, both accessed via a slope.
Visitor centre:
Disabled car parking spaces are provided with rough surface leading to the centre. Picnic benches adapted for wheelchair users and accessible toilets are available at the visitor centre.
Holme Dunes
Reserve:
From the car park it is possible to access the Norfolk Coast Path via a hardened path. The coastal path, which runs adjacent to the reserve, has some sections of easy access boardwalk. The reserve also has some sections of boardwalk and hardened paths leading to one accessible wildlife hide.
Visitor centre:
Whilst there are no disabled car parking bays, a rough surface leads from the car park to a ramp into the centre, which includes a patio area. Wheelchair accessible unisex toilets are available when the centre is open.
Ranworth Broad and Marshes
Reserve:
From the car park, a boardwalk and quiet road lead to the main nature reserve which offers a further boardwalk winding through alder carr woodland and tall herb fen to a seating and viewing area and access to the visitor centre. A fully accessible wildlife hide sits partway down the boardwalk, overlooking a peaceful and wildlife rich area of the site. Unfortunately, there is no access to the boat trail for wheelchair users but those with limited mobility can be assisted on and off the boats.
Visitor centre:
Fully accessible on ground floor (the first floor is only accessible via a narrow spiral staircase).
Weeting Heath
Reserve:
From the visitor centre, hardened paths made of compacted hoggin lead to accessible hides overlooking the reserve.
Visitor centre:
Whilst there are no disabled car parking bays, a rough surface leads from the car park to the visitor centre. Wheelchair-accessible unisex toilets are available when the centre is open.
Sweet Briar Marshes
The two entrances to the reserve are located off The Marriott’s Way, a footpath and cycle route. It can be accessed from a number of locations. Details of the nearest car parks are shown on the main webpage.
At each entrance there are lightweight easy to open field gates. The opening mechanism is suitable for wheelchair or mobility scooter users.
Temporary signs and maps giving information to visitors are located at each of the entrances.
The two entrances are connected by an accessible path which follows a meandering route through the reserve. This 2.5m wide accessible path is 1.1km long and is made from crushed granite, which forms a hard, flat surface with a minimum camber.
Temporary seating along this route will be in place by the end of June 2024 and permanent benches by August 2024.
The main path has raised edges which offer a tapping/orientation board for mobility cane users - there are breaks in the edging where other paths connect.
These connecting paths are mown grass paths which create loops to and from the main path. There are some wayfinding posts along the paths. The paths are undulating and uneven and can become soft in wet weather. They might be closed if the ground conditions are unsuitable.
Assistance dogs are allowed in all areas where visitors are permitted.
Other Sites
There are some additional sites that may have easy access depending on the seasonal ground conditions. For the sites listed below, and any others, we advise you call our main office ahead of your visit on 01603 625540 to obtain up-to-date information.
East Wretham Heath
From the small car park, a gate then grassy path leads to an accessible hide overlooking Langmere.
Pigneys Wood
From the small car park, it is possible to access some hard surface tracks made from compact hoggin that provide a circular route around the woodland area. Other paths on the site are grassy and can be prone to being wet and muddy.