Here are some of the best nature reserves to visit around the county.

1. Hickling Broad and Marshes

There are so many things to see at Hickling Broad (Image: Newsquest)

Situated in the heart of the Broads, Hickling is the perfect place to spot Britain’s largest butterfly - the swallowtail.

In this area, just outside of Stalham, visitors will also have a chance to see bitterns, cuckoos, marsh harriers and spoonbills.

As well as guided river tours, there are walking routes to explore reedbeds, dykes and viewpoints, including Stubb Mill raptor roost lookout.

Strumpshaw Fen is a lovely place to relax near Norwich (Image: Denise Bradley)

Not too far from Norwich, visitors can enjoy relaxing walks along the River Yare at Strumpshaw.

It is known for its dragonflies and more than 20 species have been recorded, including rarities such as the Norfolk hawker and scarce chaser.

The landscape and wildlife of the reserve were used for the set of the Radio 4 drama, Song of the Reeds.

3. Holkham Nature Reserve

Holkham beach is part of the nature reserve (Image: Sarah Harvey/citizenside.com)

Covering around 9,600 acres of land on the north Norfolk coast, Holkham Nature Reserve includes beaches, dune systems, pine woods and marshland.

Plenty of wintering wildfowl, such as pink-footed geese and widgeons, can be spotted on the marshes from hides and then redshanks and tussocks go into spring.

There are car parks at Holkham and Wells that are the starting point of walking routes across the reserve or visitors could travel by horse across the beach.

Titchwell Marsh (Image: Chris Bishop)

Situated between Titchwell and Thornham, the site covers reedbed, lagoons and saltmarsh, which supports species such as avocet, bearded tit, marsh harrier and bittern.

Remnants of a prehistoric age and a time when the Norfolk coast formed part of Britain's sea defences can be seen across the reserve.

There is visitors centre, café and shop as well as accessible viewing platforms along the main route.

Martham Broads near West Somerton (Image: Jamie Honeywood)

The area features lots of rich aquatic plant life, such as the holly‑leaved naiad, which is only found in a few other parts of the UK.

Otters, water voles and even the scarce Nathusius’ pipistrelle bat can all be spotted on this site near Winterton-on-Sea.

Walks can be taken from West Somerton, with the opportunity for visitors to stop and spot hen harriers, merlin and barn owls.

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