RSPB Titchwell Marsh

RSPB Titchwell Marsh is a nature reserve on the north coast of the English county of Norfolk. It is situated near the village of Titchwell and about five miles east of the seaside resort of Hunstanton. It is in the care of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

The reserve consists mainly of reedbeds, marshland, lagoons (fresh and brackish) and sandy beach. There are several bird observation hides and nature trails.

The reserve has breeding birds typical of its habitats, such as Avocet, gulls, and terns on the more open areas, and Bearded Tits, Marsh Harriers and Bitterns in the reedbeds. Recent work has been undertaken to make the reedbeds wetter to encourage Bitterns.

More common reedbed birds such as Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler also occur. Little Egret has become a frequent sighting in recent years.

Wintering birds include many ducks, both on the freshwater and brackish lagoons (typical species: Wigeon, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail and Mallard) and on the sea (typical species: Eider, Common Scoter, Velvet Scoter and more rarely Long-tailed Duck). The numbers of birds seen offshore varies significantly (tens to thousands) as large flocks move along the Norfolk coast or go further offshore. Snow Bunting and Twite are regular on the beach and in the dunes. There is also a Hen Harrier roost in the reedbed.

It is at migration periods in spring and autumn that Titchwell comes into its own. Its location means that it receives many migrating birds at those times.

The reserve therefore has an impressive list of rarities, and it is sometimes nick-named "Twitchwell" (see twitching). It is one of the most popular RSPB reserves, receiving over 100,000 (human) visitors each year and it has a shop and hot food outlet.

On August 25th 2008 the RSPB announced that parts of the reserve will be abandoned to the sea. A new sea wall will be built further inland to protect the remaining freshwater marsh and reed beds.