Pigneys Wood and Dilham Canal – summer days
Saturday 13th June 2026
Leader: Julian Thomas
The long early summer days of June are an ideal time to enjoy the varied range of habitats and species on part of Pigneys Wood reserve as well as the adjacent Dilham Canal. Pigneys Wood has been managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust since 2017 and conservation works on the grassland, ponds, fen and woodland is underway. Adjacent to the reserve is the linear waterway that is the ‘North Walsham and Dilham Canal’. The full extent is 9 miles long (we won’t walk it all!) and historically wherries could sail the entire length transporting cargo between the bone mills at Antingham Ponds and Wayford Bridge. In recent years, thanks largely to volunteer effort, restoration has seen water return to some sections and the birds have followed. Both these locations together host impressive numbers of warblers along with other resident and migrant species. Back in June 2020, a Blyth’s Reed Warbler was found here and delighted many people during the Covid pandemic. No promises of such a sighting on this walk but June is a key month for the more unusual warblers! Other wildlife is worth looking out for – depending on the weather we may see a variety of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies and other interesting invertebrates.
START: 9.30 AM
END: 1.00 PM
WHERE TO MEET | Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Pigneys Wood car park. This is a small car park so please arrange car sharing where possible. Free entry and parking.
LOCATION | Pigneys Wood nature reserve is situated 2 miles northeast of North Walsham and is signposted from the town by brown tourist signs.
Address | Hall Lane, Old Hall Street, Knapton, Norfolk, NR28 0SH (nearest post code)
Grid Reference | TG 29679 32152
X (Easting), Y (Northing) | 629679, 332152
WALKING DISTANCE | We can be flexible, up to 4 miles
ACCESSIBILITY | Paths are all level and are gravel tracks and some grassy areas. Some may be uneven and bumpy in places. Depending on previous rainfall, there may be some damper aeras in the wood, although overall it is likely to be dry underfoot. There is some shade in the wood but the canal side track is largely open and may be warm, please bring sunscreen and wear a sunhat. There may be ticks so please use insect repellent, wear long trousers and covered walking shoes or boots. We will not be walking through very tall vegetation.
FACILITIES | There are no toilets or cafes available during the walk. The nearest public toilets and other facilities (pubs, cafes) can be found in nearby North Walsham. Bring plenty of water for a summer walk and any snacks you might need.
GENERAL INFO | No prior booking is required for this walk. 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. No dogs please, except assistance dogs.
STAR STATUS | Part of this walk is within the NENBC recording area so those seen or heard bird species can count towards your personal NENBC Star Badges (Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum awards based on the number of species you have personally seen or heard in the club area and recorded on our website since becoming a member).
GOING GREEN! | If you are able to walk or cycle to the start point from home, that would be fantastic, and as some of the walk is inside the NENBC recording area, those birds can contribute to your personal NENBC Eco-badges (Green or Super-Green)! The site is accessible by public transport so check with the local bus companies for details:
Timetables | Sanders Coaches. Alternatively, car-sharing is encouraged. Do have a chat with folks at any of our events and contact them via the messaging facility available on the member page of our website to arrange something for next time.
No prior booking is required for this walk
