About us
North East Norfolk Bird Club [NENBC] was launched in January 2015 and covers the population centres of Melton Constable, Holt, Sheringham, Cromer, North Walsham and Aylsham. We are a friendly club catering for all levels of birding experience with members and supporters from the local area as well as seasonal visitors and those from much further afield who wished they lived here!
We have a comprehensive programme of club events and activities throughout the year at which non-members are always very welcome, including:
- Monthly evening talks on the last Thursday of the month from September to November and January to April at our home base Gresham Village Hall [NR11 8RT] - plenty of refreshments always provided, a 2nd hand nature books stall too. Also available live via Zoom
- Monthly mid-week bird walks around the National Trust’s Felbrigg Park estate at the centre of our recording area on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from September to July
- Varied monthly weekend bird walks to a range of local and regional birding hotspots from September to July
- An annual 'Walks Week' programme where 7 members lead 7 walks over 7 days to 7 locations for 7 participants where we get to see local patches we wouldn't get to on a typical club walk
- Occasional evening walks in the spring or summer for specific species such as Nightjar
- An annual Birding for Beginners workshop series combining practical and theoretical elements of birdwatching from which we now have over 70 graduates
- A range of special events throughout the year such as: a New Year’s Day Birding Challenge to get the year off to a good birding start; an annual joint speaker event with Norfolk Wildlife Trust (local group) and Cley Bird Club in February; a Big Sit birding event in May, recording the total number of species seen from one spot between dawn and dusk; an annual Coordinated Seawatch event along the coast in the autumn recording visible migration; a combined Christmas Social and AGM Evening in December
Our members receive a monthly e-newsletter, the Pied Flyer, which includes contributions from across the membership in every issue and we publish a comprehensive annual Bird Report for our recording area, covering not only the bird data, photos and artwork submitted by our members, but articles on our activities and projects too.
We have a Star Scheme where members are awarded lapel badges for the number of bird species recorded in the club area since joining - the self-certified Bronze [100 species] and the peer-reviewed Silver [200], Gold [250] and Platinum [300]. We also have an Eco-Badge Scheme for the number of bird species recorded in the NENBC area at or from home without the use of motorised transport since 1st January 2020 (or date of joining if later). Members enjoy the challenge of working towards Green [75 species for inland records, 100 if including coastal locations] and Super-Green [125 inland, 175 coastal].
We work with partners on a variety of projects. Many of our members volunteer with local wildlife conservation charity Felbeck Trust undertaking practical volunteering activities to support birds and other wildlife. We have also been working with the University of East Anglia for a few years now, supporting 3rd year UEA Environmental Consultancy students with 'real-life' projects for the club which have been most rewarding and resulted in some really interesting reports from the students. We have recently introduced an annual Young Birder Bursary scheme for our 16-24 year old members and are looking forward to reports in our newsletter from this year's beneficiary on their progress.
Our Club Sponsor is Bird Ventures in Holt at which members are eligible for a discount on their own-brand bird food.
Full details on our upcoming events and much more can be found on this website. We have an NENBC Twitter account @NENBC_info for local info and other birding news and we also run two WhatsApp groups - North East Norfolk Seawatching (open to all) for 'live' reporting of seabird movement along the north Norfolk coast and a member-only NENBC Alerts for sharing news of interesting birds within our recording area.
We have a Star Scheme where members are awarded lapel badges for the number of bird species recorded in the club area since joining - the self-certified Bronze [100 species] and the peer-reviewed Silver [200], Gold [250] and Platinum [300]. We also have an Eco-Badge Scheme for the number of bird species recorded in the NENBC area at or from home without the use of motorised transport since 1st January 2020 (or date of joining if later). Members enjoy the challenge of working towards Green [75 species for inland records, 100 if including coastal locations] and Super-Green [125 inland, 175 coastal].
We work with partners on a variety of projects. Many of our members volunteer with local wildlife conservation charity Felbeck Trust undertaking practical volunteering activities to support birds and other wildlife. We have also been working with the University of East Anglia for a few years now, supporting 3rd year UEA Environmental Consultancy students with 'real-life' projects for the club which have been most rewarding and resulted in some really interesting reports from the students. We have recently introduced an annual Young Birder Bursary scheme for our 16-24 year old members and are looking forward to reports in our newsletter from this year's beneficiary on their progress.
Our Club Sponsor is Bird Ventures in Holt at which members are eligible for a discount on their own-brand bird food.
Full details on our upcoming events and much more can be found on this website. We have an NENBC Twitter account @NENBC_info for local info and other birding news and we also run two WhatsApp groups - North East Norfolk Seawatching (open to all) for 'live' reporting of seabird movement along the north Norfolk coast and a member-only NENBC Alerts for sharing news of interesting birds within our recording area.
The NENBC recording area covers eight 10km squares as per the Ordnance Survey tetrads TG03, TG12, TG13, TG14, TG22, TG23, TG24 and TG33 in north east Norfolk. They stretch in a cross shape from Swanton Novers in the west to Happisburgh in the east, and from Sheringham in the north to Hevingham in the south. Within our designated area there are some of the county's premier birding sites, both coastal and inland, together with acres of under-watched or undiscovered habitats which have hosted over 350 species!
With around 450 members, our aim is to bring together people with a love and concern for birds in our area, to share knowledge and information, encourage participation in exploring our rich wildlife heritage and promote awareness of our threatened natural environment. We strive to be a sociable, inclusive and informative club which plays a vital role in the local birding community.
Club membership is currently just £12 per annum per household or £15 with a copy the club’s Bird Report from the previous year included.
If you have a love of birds, come and give us a try - we'd love to meet you!
Contact Carol on nenbc@aol.co.uk
Upcoming Events
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WALKS WEEK – 4th to 10th August Outdoor Event
DateLocationVaried locations - details on individual walk pagesWe are running 7 short walks over 7 days to 7 local hotspots with 7 leaders. As spaces are limited to 7, advance booking is required. Details are all on the individual event pages but here is a summary .....
Sun 4th | 9.30am to around 11.30am | Muckleburgh and Kelling Quags (Dave Billham)
Mon 5th | 10.00am to around midday | The Runtons (Roger Fickling)
Tue 6th | 9.30am to around 11.30am | Around West and East Beckham (Colin Blaxill)
Wed 7th | 9.00am to around 11.00am | The Cromer Ridge – Overstrand/Northrepps (Stella Baylis)
Thu 8th | 9.00am to around 11.00am | Around Blickling Park (Alan Stevens)
Fri 9th | 9.30am to around 11.30am | Swanton Novers - village and reserve (Nick Kimber)
Sat 10th | 9.00am to around 11.00am | Sustead lanes and footpaths (Trevor Williams)
THE HISTORY: We started this Walks Week programme in 2020 when we were limited by the ‘Rule of 6’ in terms of size of walk groups due to the Covid restrictions and we had a few members step up as novice walk leaders to show a small group of other members around their local patch. It was excellent for well-being at the time and following really positive feedback on how group size allowed more interaction with the leader and others and allowed us to visit varied and smaller locations, we are continuing with this initiative.ADDITIONAL NOTES: Binoculars are recommended to gain full enjoyment from your birding. Stout footwear is advised as paths may be slippery or muddy any time of year, particularly after rain. Young people aged 16 and 17 are welcome to attend unaccompanied with prior written consent from a parent or guardian who has also supplied a phone number where they can be contacted in an emergency but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Sorry no dogs except guide dogs. When appropriate for prevailing conditions and preference of participants, please respect social distancing when requested.Are there any more VOLUNTEER LOCAL WALK LEADERS out there who would be interested in taking part and joining our walk leaders pool? We are looking for members who have an enthusiasm for their local patch, especially if it is in a ‘less-visited’ spot from our Locations list. Please don’t worry if you haven’t led a walk before or are nervous about being able to ID individual birds – it can be a supportive joint effort by all those attending. What we really want is someone who knows and enjoys the local patch. If this could be you, give us a shout on nenbc@aol.co.uk. -
WALKS WEEK #1: Muckleburgh and Kelling Quags Outdoor Event
DateLocationMuckleburgh and Kelling QuagsMuckleburgh and Kelling Quags
We are running 7 short walks over 7 days to 7 local hotspots with 7 leaders. As spaces are limited to 7, advance booking is required - contact Carol on nenbc@aol.co.uk
WALK DESCRIPTION: A circular walk around Muckleburgh Hill and Kelling Quags, with a stop on the beach by Muckleburgh Camp. Please note that parts of this walk are outside of the club area, so some of the birds seen will not be eligible for recording on the club website. Starting in Kelling we will walk up Muckleburgh Hill with its views across Weybourne Camp and the surrounding countryside, where we will watch for overflying birds. We will then head towards the beach where we will have time to see what is on the sea or passing along the coast. From here we head to the quags where we will check the pools for ducks, geese and possibly waders, Finally we will follow the bridleway, checking the hedgerows for activity, as we head back to Kelling.
DATE: Sunday 4th AugustTIME: 9.30am to 11.30amWALK LEADER: Dave BillhamMEETING POINT: Meet by the Old Reading Rooms tearoom on Salthouse Road in KellingPARKING AND SITE INFORMATION: Parking is restricted; there are spaces available on the road by the tearooms otherwise it is a case of finding parking where it is safe to do so.
DISTANCE: tbcACCESSIBILITY: The walk up Muckleburgh Hill is fairly gentle, and there will be time to rest if needed. There will also be a small amount of walking on pebbles on Weybourne beach. The footpath around the quags can be muddy so wear good walking boots or similar. Unfortunately this event isn’t suitable for wheelchair users as it involves use of footpaths but please do contact us on nenbc@aol.co.uk to see which of our events can currently accommodate wheelchair users or could be adapted to do so.
FACILITIES: There is a tearoom adjacent to where we will meet to start the walk.
BADGES: This walk is partially within the NENBC area so some of your sightings can count towards your STAR BADGES (number of species individually seen / heard within the club area). If you are able to walk or cycle to the start point from home, then the same applies to your GREEN ECO-BADGES (number of species seen / heard within the club area without the use of motorised transport). The walk leader will be able to advise on the club boundary.ADDITIONAL NOTES: Binoculars are recommended to gain full enjoyment from your birding. Stout footwear is advised as paths may be slippery or muddy any time of year, particularly after rain. Young people aged 16 and 17 are welcome to attend unaccompanied with prior written consent from a parent or guardian who has also supplied a phone number where they can be contacted in an emergency but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Sorry no dogs except guide dogs.
THE HISTORY: We started this Walks Week programme in 2020 when we were limited by the ‘Rule of 6’ in terms of size of walk groups due to the Covid restrictions and we had a few members step up as novice walk leaders to show a small group of other members around their local patch. It was excellent for well-being at the time and following really positive feedback on how group size allowed more interaction with the leader and others and allowed us to visit varied and smaller locations, we are continuing with this initiative.
Are there any more VOLUNTEER LOCAL WALK LEADERS out there who would be interested in taking part and joining our walk leaders pool? We are looking for members who have an enthusiasm for their local patch, especially if it is in a ‘less-visited’ spot from our Locations list. Please don’t worry if you haven’t led a walk before or are nervous about being able to ID individual birds – it can be a supportive joint effort by all those attending. What we really want is someone who knows and enjoys the local patch. If this could be you, give us a shout on nenbc@aol.co.uk.
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WALKS WEEK #2: The Runtons Outdoor Event
DateLocationEast and West RuntonThe Runtons
We are running 7 short walks over 7 days to 7 local hotspots with 7 leaders. As spaces are limited to 7, advance booking is required - contact Carol on nenbc@aol.co.uk
WALK DESCRIPTION: A circular walk from West Runton village to cliff top, along cliff to East Runton, return inland along Thains Lane, base of Incleborough Hill and back into West Runton. A variety of habitats including shoreline, sea, farmland, scrub and woodland, and urban.
DATE: Monday 5th AugustTIME: 10.00am to approximately middayWALK LEADER: Roger FicklingMEETING POINT: Meet at West Runton village car park 10 amPARKING AND SITE INFORMATION: Parking available at meeting point immediately east of village on A149. (Charges apply)DISTANCE: Approximately 3-mile circular walk.ACCESSIBILITY: Unfortunately this event isn’t suitable for wheelchair users as it involves use of footpaths but please do contact us on nenbc@aol.co.uk to see which of our events can currently accommodate wheelchair users or could be adapted to do so.FACILITIES: Refreshments available afterwards at Corner House Tea Rooms, West Runton (as an incentive or a celebration!). They also have a customer loo.
BADGES: This walk is within the NENBC area so your sightings can count towards your STAR BADGES (number of species individually seen / heard within the club area). If you are able to walk or cycle to the start point from home, then the same applies to your GREEN ECO-BADGES (number of species seen / heard within the club area without the use of motorised transport).ADDITIONAL NOTES: Binoculars are recommended to gain full enjoyment from your birding. Stout footwear is advised as paths may be slippery or muddy any time of year, particularly after rain. Young people aged 16 and 17 are welcome to attend unaccompanied with prior written consent from a parent or guardian who has also supplied a phone number where they can be contacted in an emergency but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Sorry no dogs except guide dogs.
THE HISTORY: We started this Walks Week programme in 2020 when we were limited by the ‘Rule of 6’ in terms of size of walk groups due to the Covid restrictions and we had a few members step up as novice walk leaders to show a small group of other members around their local patch. It was excellent for well-being at the time and following really positive feedback on how group size allowed more interaction with the leader and others and allowed us to visit varied and smaller locations, we are continuing with this initiative.
Are there any more VOLUNTEER LOCAL WALK LEADERS out there who would be interested in taking part and joining our walk leaders pool? We are looking for members who have an enthusiasm for their local patch, especially if it is in a ‘less-visited’ spot from our Locations list. Please don’t worry if you haven’t led a walk before or are nervous about being able to ID individual birds – it can be a supportive joint effort by all those attending. What we really want is someone who knows and enjoys the local patch. If this could be you, give us a shout on nenbc@aol.co.uk.
Recent sightings
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Ruddy Turnstone, Sandwich Tern, European Herring Gull seen at Walcott
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Eurasian Hobby seen at Weybourne
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Carrion Crow, Rock Dove seen at West Beckham
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Common Moorhen, Mallard, Common Chiffchaff and 4 other species seen at Selbrigg Pond (Lower Bodham)
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Eurasian Oystercatcher seen at Aylmerton
