Coach trip to RSPB Titchwell Marsh, Norfolk

Location: Coach trip outings leave from bus stop 40B on the Embankment, which is adjacent to Embankment Tube. Leave the tube by the riverside exit, turn left along the pavement. The coach stop is about 50 metres along, just past the public toilets. The coach leaves promptly at 8am - aim to arrive at 7:45am to allow time to board.

Located on the north coast of Norfolk, between the villages of Titchwell and Thornham, Titchwell Marsh is blessed with diverse habitats that include reedbeds, saltmarsh and freshwater lagoons where avocets, bearded tits and marsh harriers nest. There's also a wide sandy beach here, which offers extensive views across The Wash.

Titchwell is renowned for its wading birds, wildfowl and geese. These gather in significant numbers from mid autumn onwards. During autumn, marsh harriers can be seen soaring low over reedbeds as the light falls. Avocets, the RSPB emblem bird, can be seen on the fresh marsh all year round.

In summer, the reedbeds are home to breeding bitterns, bearded tits and harriers. Freshmarsh lagoons are a motorway service station for migrating wading birds and wildfowl. Land, once farmed, has been reclaimed by the sea to form saltmarsh which is home to little egrets, water pipits and Chinese water deer.

Once part of Norfolk's sea defences, it is now home to resident and migrant seabirds and a plethora of marine life.

An easy walk leads from the car park through woodland glades to the Visitor Centre and Cafe. From here, the West Bank path opens up to wild landscapes of saltmarsh, reedbeds and freshwater lagoons fed by a natural spring and on to Titchwell's vast and undeveloped beach. The East Trail lends itself to quiet contemplation with outlooks across quiet pools full of wildlife. Secluded seating set amidst vistas of wildflowers and yellow gorse affords views of raptors scoping reedbeds and marsh for prey.

Remnants of a prehistoric age and a time when the Norfolk coast formed part of Britain's sea defences can be seen sporadically across the reserve and form the boundary of Titchwell's seascape.

We are a RSPB members group who run coach trips to good birding sites most months. All are welcome to join us, from expert birders to complete beginners - if you are new to birding one of our more experienced members will show you whatever is around and provide explanations where necessary. Don't worry if you don't own a pair of binoculars - we can lend you a pair for the day if you let us know in advance. Dress for the weather with stout footwear, remembering that it may well be cooler at the coast or in the country than in central London, and bring a packed lunch.

Paid up Central London Local Group members £20.00, non-members £22.00.

Booking essential. For further information contact James Aylward on 07974 351548, or email cllgcoachbookings@gmail.com.

Time: 7.45 am

Price: £22 (Central London Local Group members £20)

Booking essential

Telephone: 07974 351548

E-mail: cllgcoachbookings@gmail.com

Read more at https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/centrallondon/events/#lHqhcl12AbbgM5S1.99