River Ant

The River Ant is a small tributary in Norfolk, flowing 27 kilometres from its source near Antingham Ponds to its mouth on the River Bure. The river’s name comes from Antingham, a village whose earlier form was Smalea, linked to the river’s old name. Along its course, the Ant passes through marshes, wooded broads and drained fenland, shaping the landscape for centuries. The Ant Broads & Marshes National Nature Reserve protects much of this wetland habitat. Below Antingham, the river once formed part of the North Walsham and Dilham Canal, built in 1812 to carry goods by wherry. The river carries traces of human use from Roman times to the age of sail. Excavations near Wayford Bridge uncovered a Roman boat dated to 720, the oldest boat found in Norfolk, along with a wooden causeway leading to an old ford. Remains of a Roman road ran west from the bridge towards Cambridgeshire. Later, drainage mills such as Moy’s and Hunsett powered the land’s reclamation, their towers still standing along the banks. Barton Broad, the second largest of the Broads, was once clouded by pollution but has been restored to clear water through innovative bubble curtains and dredging. Visitors follow the river through quiet waterways lined with thatched cottages and medieval churches. At Honing Bridge the Ant enters the Broads, where reedbeds and marshes stretch on either side. Wooden staithe jetties mark the spots where boats once loaded farm produce and coal. At Barton Broad, an island called Pleasure Hill recalls Lord Nelson learning to sail there as a boy. Electric boats and footpaths lead through How Hill nature reserve, where sedge beds and carr woodland offer walks beside the water. The river ends its journey at the tidal limit near Irstead, where a 14th‑century church and old cottages overlook the final meanders.