Holme Bird Observatory Reserve

About Holme Bird Observatory Reserve

Located at a migration hot spot, Holme Bird Observatory is a link in the chain of Bird Observatories around the coasts of the UK collating information about bird movements and populations, mostly from ringing and census counts.

The site is manned throughout the year. As well as birds, daily records of insects, mammals, reptiles and amphibians are kept, with moths trapped and released daily from March 1st through to October 31st. Members and visitors are welcome to come and see bird ringing and moth trapping taking place.

All visitors who do not have a current NOA membership can access the Observatory for a day permit per person, price currently £3.00. All under-16s are welcome free of charge.

Access for members is between dawn and dusk, and for permit holders between 9am and 5pm.

The site is accessible both by car from Holme village along Broadwater Road, and on foot from the Norfolk Coast Path between Holme and Thornham villages.

Dogs are welcome on leads.

Accessibility Information:
Disabled parking spaces are available in the NOA staff car park, which lies beyond the NWT visitors’ centre to the east. Access to the Observatory centre and viewing platform is provided by access ramps at the west and east end of the main bank, and a ramp up to the viewing platform beside the Observatory building.

Wheelchair access is also provided in the Car Park and Dell Hides, which are adapted for wheelchair use. The Car Park Hide can be accessed from the main NOA Car Park but a members’ key is required.