Holme Bird Observatory

Holme Bird Observatory stands on the north Norfolk coast near Holme-next-the-Sea. It covers five hectares of sand dunes and Corsican pines managed by the Norfolk Ornithological Association. The reserve is part of the 7,700-hectare North Norfolk Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest. It also lies within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The site has been protected further through Natura 2000, Special Protection Area and Ramsar listings. The observatory was founded in 1962 to study bird migration. It runs a bird ringing programme that has been running for over sixty years. Five hides give views across the dunes and salt marsh. The reserve adjoins the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Holme Dunes reserve, expanding the area available for birds and visitors. A visitor finds scrubby dunes, tall pines and open hides overlooking the coast. Migrating birds pass through in spring and autumn, attracting watchers each season. The sound of ringing and the sight of colour-ringed birds mark the work here. The wide skies and quiet paths make it a place to stand and watch.