Norfolk Wildlife: a Calendar and Site Guide

A super book (now on my Christmas list!) for anyone who lives in East Anglia, or visits the popular and rich wildlife sites in Norfolk.

The introductory third of the book showcases Norfolk wildlife through the year, each chapter covering a different month and what wildlife you might expect to encounter. In the main part of the book,  the author has brought together 35 wildlife sites, some well-known RSPB and Norfolk Wildlife Trust sites but also many other lesser-known places that deserved to be explored.  He has highlighted the full range of wildlife that can be found: plants, birds, mammals, dragonflies and butterflies and anything else of interest at each site.

A handy series of year planners for birds, insects and orchids help you time your visits for specific species – if you are keen to encounter the very rare Norfolk Hawker dragonfly, for example, you only have a month-long window early in the season.

You may already have your own favourite Norfolk site, which may or may not be covered in what can only ever be a bit of a personal choice, but you will definitely be tempted to visit a selection of new and unfamiliar sites and explore the wealth of wildlife found there after reading this book. I’d love to see a Suffolk volume! 

Book reviewed by Su Gough