Cley and Salthouse Marshes
A view across Cley marshes
Cley and Salthouse Marshes are on the north Norfolk coast between Cley next the Sea and Salthouse. The reserve brings together reedbeds, freshwater pools, grazing marsh, saline lagoons, and shingle beach. Visitors can explore these habitats from hides, raised banks, and coastal paths.
The managed pools draw in breeding and migrating waders such as Avocet, Redshank, Ruff, and Black-tailed Godwit. Reedbeds are home to Marsh Harrier, Bittern, and Bearded Tit, and Spoonbills often come to feed. From East Bank, you can look over the reedbed and coastal marsh, while the shingle ridge is a good spot for migration and seawatching.
Birdwatching is rewarding all year. Spring and autumn are best for migration, with a mix of waders, songbirds, raptors, and seabirds. In summer, you’ll see breeding wetland birds. Winter stands out for wildfowl, geese, waders, raptors, and Snow Buntings near Salthouse. Visiting just the central hides can take half a day, but including East Bank, the beach, and the rest of the reserve makes it a full day’s outing.
For up-to-date information on access, opening times, facilities, charges, and any temporary restrictions, please check the official Norfolk Wildlife Trust page for Cley and Salthouse Marshes.
What rare or notable species might be seen during peak migration?
During spring and autumn migration, you might see Temminck’s Stint, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Garganey, Black Tern, and Osprey. In the right autumn conditions, the coastal scrub can attract Wryneck, Yellow-browed Warbler, Pallas’s Warbler, or Red-backed Shrike. Favourable winds may also bring skuas, shearwaters, Grey Phalaropes, and other seabirds along the coast.
Rarities are always Possible here. In 2025, the wider Cley area recorded sightings of Collared Pratincole, Caspian Tern, Pallid Harrier, Bee-eater, American Golden Plover, and Long-billed Dowitcher. Some nationally rare records were still awaiting formal committee acceptance when the annual list was made.
Images
Facilities · Are there hides, toilets, or a visitor centre available on site?
Yes, the reserve has a visitor centre with views over the marshes, six bird hides, and paths and boardwalks into the main birding spots. Four hides are accessible by boardwalk. Facilities include toilets (including an accessible toilet), a café, shop, picnic area, accessible trails, and disabled parking. Toilets are open during visitor centre hours, so check current arrangements before you travel.
Time needed: Full day
Strongest seasons: Spring and autumn migration; winter wildfowl and waders
Pairs naturally with: Blakeney Freshes, Friary Hills and Blakeney Point
Official site: Norfolk Wildlife Trust: Cley and Salthouse Marshes