Carlton Marshes lies in the Waveney Valley at the southern tip of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads and comprises over 100 acres of grazing marsh, fens and peat pools. It is the Broads in miniature. Flower studded marshes drained by a system of dykes and grazed by cattle in summer, create a paradise for wintering wading birds and birds of prey including the hobby. Water vole may be seen in and around the dykes along with special plants including the rare and protected water soldier.

In early summer wet fen meadows around Sprat’s Water are bursting with ragged-robin,& southern marsh orchid, lesser and greater spearwort and bogbean. Both Sprat’s and Round Water are the result of peat digging carried out
long ago.

The open water in both these pools is heaving with life including insectivorous bladderwort. This unusual plant lives off unsuspecting water fleas which it traps and digests in bladder-like sacs under water.

Carlton Marshes is one of the best places in the UK for a range of freshwater snails which reflects the good water quality in the dykes. The reed and sedge beds along the river wall make ideal nesting cover for reed and sedge warblers, bearded tit, Cetti’s warbler and marsh harrier. An astounding 15 kinds of dragonfly have been spotted here including the rare Norfolk hawker.

Mowing and cattle grazing are used by the Trust to conserve the fen meadow and marshland wildlife. Dykes are regularly cleared and mud pumping is vital in the pools to prevent them silting up. Activities for local schools and a range of family events are run from the well-equipped and friendly visitor centre.

Other Trust reserves nearby: Camps Heath, Castle Marshes, Foxburrow Wood, North Cove, Oulton Marshes

Educational visits at Carlton

Events at Carlton

An introduction to wildlife photography
IA chance to pick up some tips on how to take wildlife photos including outdoor work in an inspiring setting.

The session is at Carlton Marshes on Saturday 13th June. It runs from 10am to 4pm and costs £15 or £12 for concessions. click here to book

More Trust events

The education centre is accessible with a disabled toilet. Wheelchairs can use a firm path around the marsh including easy access gates. A disabled access route along the river wall is under construction.