The joys of spring at Sparham Pools (24 April)

Join us for a gentle spring walk at Sparham Pools, discovering vibrant wildflowers, butterflies and returning birds. Once a working gravel pit, now a glassy lake fed by the chalk-clear waters of the River Wensum - and one of the best short walks in Norfolk for wildlife and flora. Sparham Pools in spring is a different reserve entirely - the water still draws its usual cast of ducks, but the real show is everything waking up around it. The paths are lined with coconut-scented yellow gorse flowers, and the first large red damselflies start appearing along the margins together with the rare green hairstreak butterfly. The iconic call of the cuckoo can be heard echoing across the water, alongside the melodious songs of newly arrived reed warblers and blackcaps. Join our reserve guide, Zelda, for this gentle circular walk for anyone who wants to see the reserve at its most vibrant and alive. Bring binoculars if you've got them, but your eyes will do just fine. Please wear sturdy waterproof footwear or wellies, as some paths can be wet and muddy. Unfortunately this event is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs due to two squeeze stiles and an uneven, muddy surface especially during wetter weather. Children under 18 are very welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Assistance dogs only permitted. Everyone’s welcome at Sparham Pools As part of our commitment to making nature accessible for all, and to ensure local communities benefit from Sparham Pools, we’ve introduced the following ticketing model: Free Community Tickets We want everyone to feel welcome at Sparham Pools,. If you live within around a mile (20 minutes walk)of the site - or if cost would make it difficult for you to join, please choose a free community ticket. No questions asked - just come and enjoy the event. We’ve noticed that a few free places sometimes go unused, and as a charity, that can really add up. If you can’t make it, please cancel your ticket at least 24 hours before the event so someone else can take your place. We often run a waiting list and would love to offer your spot to another local resident. Standard Tickets (Members / Non-Members) If you don’t live locally, or you’re able to pay and would like to support our work, we’d really appreciate a small contribution towards keeping these events accessible for everyone. Your ticket helps us cover basic costs and continue offering free community places at future events. Come and be part of your local wild space - everyone’s welcome. Accessibility We want our events, and nature itself, to be accessible to everyone. If you have specific needs or requirements, please get in touch at [email protected] so we can support you wherever possible. Unfortunately this event is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs due to two squeeze stiles and an uneven, muddy surface. Please note - there are no toilets on site Access companions are welcome free of charge. If you or someone in your group requires personal support to attend - whether physical, communicative or emotional - please let us know when booking your ticket. Accessible nature reserves | Norfolk Wildlife Trust Important Information – please read our event refund policy below: Tickets are non-refundable unless the event or activity is cancelled by Norfolk Wildlife Trust. In the event that Norfolk Wildlife Trust has to cancel an event or activity due to low numbers, extreme weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control, we will inform you at the earliest opportunity and will offer a full refund. Please check our website Home | Norfolk Wildlife Trust for event updates. Photo credit: Zelda Eady - Sparham Pools Photo credit: Jim Higham - green hairstreak Photo credit: Matthew Hazleton - reed warbler