Thompson Water, Carr and Common

Thompson Water, Carr and Common lies north of Thetford in Norfolk. It covers 154.7 hectares of grassland, ponds and a lake beside a tributary of the River Wissey. The Norfolk Wildlife Trust manages most of the site as Thompson Common. The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and part of the Norfolk Valley Fens Special Area of Conservation. A Local Nature Reserve called the Great Eastern Pingo Trail crosses the land. The site is recognised for its geological features. During the last glaciation, ice within pingos melted and left damp depressions that now hold water. These ponds support a range of wildlife. Thompson Water, a lake surrounded by reed swamp, provides a habitat for breeding birds. The combination of ponds and lake makes the site important for conservation. Visitors walk along paths that cross the grassland and pass the ponds. Thompson Water offers views of the surrounding reed beds and open water. The Great Eastern Pingo Trail guides walkers through the varied landscape. The site is open to the public and allows quiet observation of nature.