Weeting Visitor Centre in 2024 (credit: NWT)
Changes at Weeting Heath nature reserve
This spring we're making some changes at Weeting Heath. Our visitor centre opened in 1997, offering new facilities for our members and other site visitors. At this time, Weeting Heath was the only place to reliably see the elusive stone curlew - a bird which, despite still requiring significant protection, can now be seen at several other sites in Norfolk and throughout the UK. As a result, whilst still being vital for wildlife, Weeting Heath no longer offers the unique attraction that it did two decades ago, and we have seen a drop in visitor numbers.
The work we want to do to protect and restore wildlife across the Brecks is growing, and providing daily access to a visitor centre during the spring and summer takes up a significant amount of staff and volunteer time. To achieve the best outcomes for nature and people now that we are seeing fewer visitors to the site, we have taken the difficult decision to close the visitor centre.
But don't worry, Weeting Heath will remain a great place to enjoy Norfolk’s iconic wildlife. In fact, we are now offering everyone free access to Weeting Heath and its wildlife hides, as well as a new programme of walks and talks giving you the chance to learn more about the site’s special wildlife and how we protect it. Volunteers will also act as a ‘guide in the hide’, providing information about stone curlews and the wider Weeting Heath nature reserve (dates will be shared on our Weeting reserve page). During events, the visitor centre will be open, with access to wheelchair-accessible toilets. Events will be promoted online and via member and supporter e-newsletters.
The visitor centre will continue to offer seasonal accommodation for our warden, who will be on hand to open and close the site and to carry out vital conservation work to ensure stone curlews continue to thrive at Weeting Heath.
Is Weeting Heath nature reserve still open to visitors?
Yes, you can visit the nature reserve during its usual opening hours.
I’m not an NWT member, do I still have to pay to visit Weeting Heath?
Access to the site is now free for everyone at all times, except for those people attending paid events when a ticket price will apply.
Are the wildlife hides still available?
Yes, the wildlife hides are available to all visitors during Weeting Heath’s usual opening hours, and free to access.
How have the facilities changed now that the visitor centre is closed?
The car park and walking trails continue to be available and maintained by NWT. We no longer provide access to refreshments, a toilet or shop at the site, although toilets will be made available during organised events.
Will there be NWT volunteers or staff present during my visit?
NWT is very lucky to have a dedicated team of volunteers at Weeting Heath who will continue to support the conservation work at the site as well as, on occasion, lead walks, give talks and act as a ‘guide in the hide’ providing information about stone curlews and the wider Weeting Heath nature reserve.
Wherever possible we will highlight on our website when staff or volunteers will be available to visitors. Guide in the hide dates will be displayed on our Weeting Heath reserve page.
Can I still come to see the stone curlews during breeding season?
Yes, you are welcome to view Weeting Heath’s stone curlews during reserve opening hours.
You can access the site’s wildlife hides at no cost, and we offer a programme of events to help you see and learn more about these iconic birds, including guided walks and ‘guide in the hide’ sessions.
I am unable to visit Weeting Heath nature reserve, is there another way I can see the site’s stone curlews?
Each spring and summer we set up a web camera which offers live footage and recorded highlights of our nesting stone curlews at Weeting Heath.
You can view our stone curlew web camera here.