North Norfolk Coast Biosphere Reserve
North Norfolk Coast Biosphere Reserve
The North Norfolk Coast Biosphere Reserve covers the majority of the North Norfolk Coast SSSI (comprising Scolt Head Island NNR, Holkham NNR, Blakeney Point NNR, Cley Marshes SSSI and Salthouse Marshes SSSI). It lies within the wider boundaries of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Wash and North Norfolk European Marine Site.
What goes on there?
The character of the Norfolk coast is also the result of a complex interaction between people and their environment over thousands of years.
Connections between people and the landscape remain important today. The area is very active agriculturally and in food production, with cultivation of cereals and sugar beet, grazing of livestock and harvesting of shellfish and bait. Though employment in 'traditional' industries such as agriculture and fishing has declined, these still have a key role to play in the area's character.
The area is used by school children and students for education and there are a number of interpretive and field centres. Research covers a full range of biological and geological sciences and also relates to the geomorphology of coastal processes and climate change.
The area is also popular with tourists and second home owners, attracted by the area’s landscape character, tranquillity, extensive beaches, local food and characterful villages for beach holidays, walking and bird watching.
Its combination of landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage results in an area of remarkable beauty, diversity and scientific importance at a regional, national and international scale.
What makes it unique?
Salt and freshwater coastal marshes, shingle banks and dune systems.
Breeding and wintering wildfowl (particularly pink-footed geese) and migrant waders.
A large breeding colony of common seals, comprising 7% of the UK seal population.
Where is it?
Encompassing most of the coastline and immediate hinterland north of the A149 between Brancaster in the west and Salthouse in the east.
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Factfile:
Location: Encompassing most of the coastline and immediate hinterland north of the A149 between Brancaster in the west and Salthouse in the east.
Ecosystems: Salt and freshwater coastal marshes, shingle banks and dune systems.
Terrain and habitats: Shallow inlets, bays, creeks, dunes, sandpits, pinewoods, pastures, saltwater and freshwater marshes, mires and chalk rivers.
Vegetation: Saltmarsh scrub, coastal shingle vegetation.
Size : 8,500 ha
Wildlife: The area is of great value for breeding and wintering wildfowl (particularly pink-footed geese) and migrant waders. There is a large breeding colony of common seals, comprising 7% of the UK seal population. There are also comparatively large numbers of otters, marsh harriers and barn owls.
History
Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1976.
Protection Classifications
National Nature Reserve (NNR)
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Special Protection Area (SPA)
Ramsar Site
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
European Marine Site (EMS)