This will be the 12th Coordinated Seawatch organised by the NENBC. We set ourselves up at a number of sites with good views out to sea, each team with an experienced seawatcher as lead, to record the number and species of all the birds we see along the club coastline and beyond (and the direction they are flying) for each 10-minute period throughout a 3-hour time frame. The beauty of a coordinated event is that we can message our other sites along the coast via our WhatsApp Seawatching Group to give advance warning of identifiable flocks flying through. Then of course there is the friendly rivalry between the sites. All the previous events have been well supported, produced some great data and most importantly been enjoyed by all the participants. It is both a social and informative event and a great way to get started seawatching as a beginner and also to pass on your knowledge as a regular to those new to the activity. To get the most out of the event, we’d advise coming along for the whole 3 hours but ‘part timers’ will always be welcome at any point! Whatever your level of seawatching, or birding, experience, please come and join us! Don’t forget we now have a number of short-notice ‘Pop-Up’ seawatching events throughout the year so keep an eye on the website announcements on the Home page for when these are coming up.
DATE: Saturday 3rd October 2026
TIME: 07:30am – 10:30am
NO BOOKING REQUIRED BUT …. Booking is by no means essential, so if it takes your fancy on the day, please just turn up as we would love to see you. However, it would really help us with our resource management to ascertain minimum numbers for each site so we know that each site leader has at least a couple of folk to help them with the spotting and recording as it isn’t a job that can be done as effectively alone. Also, in 2022 we had to cancel a site at the last minute due to leader illness and we were able to let those who had notified us that were coming know so they didn’t have a wasted journey and could re-direct to another site. Please let us know in advance if you know you are definitely coming via nenbc@aol.co.uk. Thank you!
CONFIRMED TEAM SITES
If you can, please try and get to your sites by 7:15am so leads have a chance to run through what we will be doing before the sudden rush of passing seabirds from 7.30am keeps us all busy!
SHERINGHAM TANK with Phil Borley and friends
Meet at ‘The Tank’ from 7:15am onwards. This is the bit of the promenade that juts out opposite the brightly coloured loos and with the Deep History murals on the side. If you face the sea at the end of the High Street, it is to your right past the museum. There is a bit of shelter if the weather is inclement, but you may want to bring your own chair as there are only a couple of seats there. Parking is available in the town Pay & Display car parks(with the closest being the Cliff Road Car Park), free in the roads up by the Esplanade at the other end of the prom if you don’t mind the longer walk or up around Cliff Road (walk down the slope/stairs by Wee Retreat and turn left). The level site is part of the paved prom path so is accessible from some spots without having to use stairs and loos and refreshments are available nearby.| What3Words: uncle.portfolio.speedy | Grid Reference: TG161435 | Google Maps: Sheringham Tank |
CROMER (below the Red Lion pub / above the surf shop) with Trevor Williams and friends
The seawatch shelter we usually use has been vandalised and rooped off. We will be trying out a new site described below. Meet on the stairs that drop down from The Red Lion east of the pier to the surf shop from 7:15 am onwards. Parking along nearby side roads is possible or in the usual town Pay & Display car parks. The loos and refreshments are in Cromer itself or down on the lower prom. Unfortunately this site isn't wheelchair accessible. | What3words: stem.relished.congas | Grid Reference TG220422 | Google Maps: Below Red Lion steps |
MUNDESLEY with Julian Thomas and friends
Meet at the seafront shelter by the 'Deep History Coast' display and across the road from the council car park from 7:15am. The shelter there will give us a little more protection against the elements than the alternative spots. The shelter is adjacent to the road so no steps to go down to get there plus loos are available nearby and refreshments in Mundesley itself. | What3words: curries.promising.snowballs | Grid Reference: TG314367 | Google Maps: Mundesley Sea Shelter |
HAPPISBURGH with Andy Clarke and friends
NOTE: Because of cliff erosion, we need to use a new sea-watching location at Happisburgh so this year we will watch from the clifftop right beside the car park. This is an area of short grass between the ramp down to the beach and the start of the coastal path to Cart Gap.
The parking is in Happisburgh Community Car Park (NR12 0PR) and is still accessible from the end of Beach Road, although the road has been slightly re-routed. Charges £1.50 per hour, £7 all day with a minimum card fee of £3. The car-park uses ANPR to check arrival and departure. Face the sea and head right out of the car park on foot and we will meet on the clifftop from 7:15am. This is quite an exposed site so you'll need to bring your own seat and warm clothes really are essential as there is no shelter. Loos available in car park but no refreshments nearby. The site is an easy walk from the car park so suitable for those with limited mobility. | Whats3Words: boats.forge.member | Google Maps: Happisburgh Cliffs
STAR STATUS: Any bird species you see or hear on the seawatch can count towards your own 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 from home to the Team Sites, all the birds you see or hear on the seawatch can contribute to your personal NENBC Eco-badges (Green or Super-Green) for birding without the use of motorised transport if they are in the NENBC recording area.
WHAT TO BRING: You may want to bring the following with you:
Enthusiasm (well that is a must!)!
A flask of hot drink and a snack
Waterproof and warm clothing if the weather looks inclement plus some extra! In fact even if the weather doesn’t look inclement, waterproofs and warm clothing recommended!
A telescope and tripod as well as your bins if you have them
An ID book
A folding chair if there are no benches at a site
NENBC Annual Coordinated Seawatch
This will be the 12th Coordinated Seawatch organised by the NENBC. We set ourselves up at a number of sites with good views out to sea, each team with an experienced seawatcher as lead, to record the number and s...
Winterton WALK with Janice Darch BOOKING REQ'DOutdoor Event
Date
Location
Winterton
Winterton Dunes and Somerton Estate (booking required)
Saturday 17 October 2026
Leader: Janice Darch
This walk has become a favourite autumn jaunt which will take us through the Somerton Estate and will return through Winterton North Dunes. The hedges of the estate are good for Brambling, finch and tit flocks, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, overhead Marsh Harriers are common and we have been lucky enough to see Common Cranes overhead on past walks. The dune coast can be very good for migrants and species such as Bluethroat, Wryneck, Red-backed Shrike and Barred Warbler are possibilities! Short-eared Owls can sometimes give stunning views in the dunes. Shore birds such as Dunlin and Sandling are usually on the shoreline which is easily accessible through a gap in the dunes and offshore scoter flocks are often seen. Grey Seal may already have started their breeding season on the beach. If there are any interesting birds on the South Dunes we will extend the walk to include them if people wish. Binoculars are essential to gain full enjoyment from the walk and if you want the added bonus of using a scope, please do bring your own along.
Start time: 09:00 End time: 13:00
Where to meet Meet in the car park at Somerton Road Playing Fields.
Location Park at Somerton Road Playing Fields, Winterton-on-Sea NR29 4AW. This is a free car park on the left-hand side as you enter the village.
Postcode NR29 4AW (nearest)
OS map reference TG 489 194
X Easting, Y Northing 648939, 319405
What 3 Words ratty.relies.suppose
Walking distance Around 5 miles Accessibility The walk is on easy tracks and sandy surfaces in the dunes. Largely level but there are some gentle slopes and uneven surfaces. Stout footwear is recommended as paths may be slippery or muddy particularly after rain.
No dogs please, except assistance dogs.
Facilities Refreshment stops are not a formal part of this walk, although the ‘Dunes Café’ is located nearby at the beach. There are also public toilets at the Winterton on Sea beach car park but please note that this is not the car park where we are meeting. Both the café and toilets should be open in October, although this can’t be guaranteed.
For this walk, we are asking for advance bookings. Please sign up if you would like to come along by emailing Carol on nenbc@aol.co.uk before 5PM on Thursday 15th October. Thank you!
Winterton Dunes and Somerton Estate (booking required)
Saturday 17 October 2026
Leader: Janice Darch
This walk has become a favourite autumn jaunt which will take us through the Somerton Estate and will return through Winterton North Dunes. The...
Felbrigg Park Monthly Walk 9.00am and 9.30am start [3rd Wednesday of the month Sep-Jul]Outdoor Event
Date
Location
Felbrigg Park National Trust Estate
Felbrigg Park Estate Monthly Walks
DATE: Wednesday 21st October 2026
WALK A: The usual Felbrigg Park walk
TIME: 9.00am to 11:00am WALK LEADER: Trevor Williams DISTANCE: Approximately 2-mile+ circular walk ACCESSIBILITY: Could be anywhere on the estate dependent on what has been reported and likely to include grassy / muddy footpaths. WALK B: A shorter walk for those who don't want to walk as far or as fast! TIME: 9.30am to 11.00am WALK LEADER: Nick Kimber DISTANCE: No more than 1-mile circular walk ACCESSIBILITY: We keep this walk slow and we will often just stroll down to the lake and back. There are a couple of benches en route. Paths may be uneven and could be wet underfoot.
For those who like a sit-down afterwards, many of us meet up for coffee and a chat post-walk in the café - all welcome!
NO BOOKING REQUIRED: It is always nice to know if you are coming via nenbc@aol.co.uk but by no means essential so if it takes your fancy on the day, please just turn up as we would love to see you!
WALK DESCRIPTION: These sociable walks cater for all levels of birding ability so come and give us a try! We are a friendly bunch and always pleased to have folk join us whether they are NENBC members or not. We have the option of two walks dependent on whether you are looking for a slower and shorter stroll or a more wide-ranging wander. Our routes are dependent on the local bird and other wildlife recently reported or likely to be present on the day. We regularly see over 35 bird species on an average walk and even on the worst of days more than 30 and often one group will pick up some species that the other doesn't.
MEETING POINT: National Trust Main Car Park, Felbrigg Park [Postcode: NR11 8PP will get you to the main entrance | what3words: denoting.reminds.bags for the car park | Grid Reference: TG197394 for the car park]
PARKING AND SITE INFORMATION: Although access to the grounds is free to all and parking is free in the main car park for National Trust [NT] members with their machine-validated membership card, a parking fee is payable via the machines for non-NT members (£5 per vehicle). At time of writing, Sexton’s Lodge car park at the western end of the estate however remains free to all users and you can walk up from there along the internal estate road to our start point (about 10 mins). Do check out the NT website nearer the time though in case of any changes to their arrangements, including the free car parking at the Lodge. For further information see Felbrigg Hall.
ACCESSIBILITY: The walks are usually ‘off-road’ along dirt footpaths and tracks, across fields, through woods and can include a few stairs by the lake. As such, these events aren’t suitable for wheelchair users 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 or if you have any suggestions for walks that would be more suitable for the less mobile and we will aim to get something arranged.
FACILITIES: Toilets and café facilities available at Felbrigg Hall.
STAR STATUS: This walk is within the NENBC recording area so any bird species you see or hear can all 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 the walk is within the NENBC recording area, all the birds you see or hear can contribute to your personal NENBC Eco-badges (Green or Super-Green)! The Weavers’ Way and many other public footpaths bisect the park, as does the regional cycle route formerly named route 30. Bicycle racks are also available in the main car park. The Park itself, Felbrigg village and Aylmerton are also served by public transport, but buses are not frequent and unfortunately may not fit with walk timings. Bus Timetable - Sanders. 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.
ADDITIONAL NOTES: Binoculars are always recommended to gain full enjoyment from your birding. We don’t specifically carry a scope on the walk unless one of our regulars brings theirs as it generally isn’t necessary but if you’d like to use one, please bring one along. 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.
Felbrigg Park Estate Monthly Walks
DATE: Wednesday 21st October 2026
WALK A: The usual Felbrigg Park walk
TIME: 9.00am to 11:00am
WALK LEADER: Trevor Williams
DISTANCE: Approximately 2-mile+ circular walk
ACCESSIBILITY: Could be anywhere on the e...
The Danube Delta - A talk by Val & Mick WalkerIndoor Event
Date
Location
Gresham Village Hall and Zoom
"The Danube Delta" with club members Val & Mick Walker
DATE: Thursday 29th October 2026
TIME: 7.30pm to 9.30pm
JOIN IN: Gresham Village Hall and via Zoom
A BIT ABOUT THE SPEAKERS AND THEIR TALK: "We visited the Danube Delta in the summer before the war in Ukraine started. The border between Romania and Ukraine is just to the North, which makes it hard to visit at present so perhaps not so many people will be aware of the range of birds and wildlife in the area. Being summer there were large tern colonies, pelicans, bee-eaters and rollers amongst many others, all of which we photographed from boats or hides. We would like to share our pictures and experiences with you all. For anyone who does not know us, we are both birdwatchers and photographers, who belong to the U3A birdwatching group, Norfolk Wildlife Trust and the RSPB as well as NENBC. As keen photographers our talks include many photographs of the birds and their behaviour rather than lots of technical information and graphs."
AT THE HALL: Those of you attending in-person at the hall can expect a selection of home-made cakes plus tea, coffee, hot chocolate, wine and cold drinks during the interval and of course the chance to socialise with other members. We can cater for gluten-free or other requirements if you let us know in advance. We have a 2nd hand ‘natural world’ book stall for you to purchase from / contribute your no-longer-required stock to, supplies of our publications to buy (including our annual bird reports), a display of member photos and details on our upcoming events. We are happy to offer members’ old birding equipment for sale at our events (or in our newsletter) with a contribution going to club funds.
BOOKING ARRANGEMENTS: It is always nice to know if you are coming to the hall but by no means essential so if it takes your fancy on the evening, please just turn up as we would love to see you and we have plenty of space!
ACCESSIBILITY: The hall is wheelchair accessible. The level car park at the hall is shingle but we can reserve a space next to the entrance if you need it.
GOING GREEN!: The hall isn’t really accessible by public transport but if you are able to walk or cycle to the event that would be fantastic! Alternatively, car-sharing is encouraged. Have a chat with folks at any of our events or message them through our website to arrange something for next time, or let us know and we will try to put you in touch.
DIRECTIONS: Gresham Village Hall, East Beckham Road off Church Lane, Gresham, Norfolk, NR11 8RT but note the published postcode might not take you to exactly the right spot! If you are coming through Aylmerton and Lower Gresham, turn right by the church (just after the school) and the hall is on your left. If you are coming through Gresham, turn left at the church (just before the school) and the hall is on your left. If you are dropping down from East Beckham, the hall is on your right opposite the church.
PARKING: Access to the hall car park is off East Beckham Road, opposite the church. There is additional parking on the road along the side of the church itself and an overflow car park has kindly been offered to us by Gresham Village School. The school car park is located on Cromer Road to the left of the school as you face it and at the left-hand end of the row of houses – about a 300m walk from the hall. Please park considerately to allow maximum number of cars in the car parks and on the road but with enough space for passing traffic to be able to get through, including agricultural vehicles. We can send you a map of the locality on request.
"The Danube Delta" with club members Val & Mick Walker
DATE: Thursday 29th October 2026
TIME: 7.30pm to 9.30pm
JOIN IN: Gresham Village Hall and via Zoom
A BIT ABOUT THE SPEAKERS AND THEIR TALK: "We visited the Danube Delta in the summer ...
