Kelling Quags

Kelling Quags is a small coastal nature reserve near the village of Kelling in Norfolk. It covers just 5.7 hectares of fresh marshland behind a shingle ridge. The site consists of shallow pools and wet grazing marshes that attract a variety of wildlife. It has been managed as a coastal fresh marsh by the Norfolk Ornithological Association since 1984. The land was purchased by the association in that year after years of informal protection. The reserve was recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1954. In 1986 it became part of the much larger North Norfolk Coast SSSI, which spans 7,700 hectares. This wider area is protected under Natura 2000 and Ramsar conventions. It also lies within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visitors find a quiet landscape of open water, reedbeds and grazing meadows. The pools hold water even in dry spells, supporting breeding waders and waterfowl. The shingle ridge separates the marsh from the sea, creating a sheltered habitat. A network of paths allows easy access without disturbing the wildlife. The reserve offers views across the marshes towards the North Sea.