Barton Turf’s winter slumber

Barton Turf on the Norfolk Broads – photo blog

The Norfolk broads aren’t only beautiful in summer, they have their charms all year round.

On a recent visit to Barton Turf, I pondered as to why people don’t take their boats out in winter too. There is so much to see and the vast Norfolk skies are spectacular all year round. You can see so much wildlife: owls, swans, geese, birds of prey, and sometimes, if you are really lucky… an otter.

I know the skies look threatening in the pictures above, but all you have to do is wear the right gear to fend off the raindrops and wind.

We discovered the boardwalk to Barton Turf broad this weekend. Such vast waters in which to enjoy the sky reflections. A magical and peaceful spot. I can’t wait to return as spring develops. It’s easy to access via wheelchair. I also spotted metal signs in braille.

Dogs aren’t allowed, other than assist dogs, so bear that in mind if you are visiting. I think this is because of concerns for the wildlife. I know this may upset some dog owners, but I’m sure they would appreciate that not all are responsible.

If you are planning to take photographs, I would recommend visiting early morning or late afternoon. This is when you will get the best light, and you are likely to see and hear more wildlife.

Stop, enjoy the peace. Take time to listen out for birdcall. The Norfolk Broads are made to be loved and appreciated.

Barton is the second largest of the Norfolk Broads at 0.6332 square miles, the largest broad in the Ant Valley. You can read more details about it here at NorfolkBroads.com

Scroll down to take a little walk down the boardwalk with me.

Please subscribe to receive regular updates to my Norfolk photo blog.

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram – come say hello!

Below is a selection of just some of the Norfolk Broads collection available at my Redbubble store. Check out the full collection of Norfolk Broads clothing and gifts here.

You will find: t-shirts, caps, hoodies, tech and pet accessories, phone cases, home decor, mugs, blankets, pillows, stickers and magnets, stickers, prints and stationery.

Worldwide delivery and quantity discounts.

Sunset around St Benet’s Abbey

St Benet’s Abbey and windmill – a photographic blog

Winter sunsets at and around the atmospheric and historic St Benet’s Abbey and mill ruins on the banks of the River Bure in Norfolk.

This is such a special place in Norfolk with legends of ghostly monks, once inhabitants of a remote medieval monastery.

The wooden cross with the word ‘peace’ with geese flying past.

On a winter’s afternoon, aside from stunning medieval ruins, there is much wildlife to enjoy too. We saw geese, barn owls, swans and birds of prey in a very short time.

I got as close as I could to this beautiful young barn owl. The pastel pink of the lowering sun providing a pretty frame around him/her.

My main preoccupation was the stunning sunset on this visit. It was truly spectacular.

The colours changed at every moment. The sky turning from deep blue to pastel shades of pink and lilac, then to golden. My tip is to stay for the duration of any sunset as you will see the most incredible light display evolve. Never think its over until that fire ball finally slips below the horizon, and darkness finally drops like a blanket over your head.

The best times to visit to see wildlife is early morning or late afternoon. That’s when you will see the owls hunting and they come quite close. Be prepared to brush shoulders with other photographers! It’s always good to ask where they have seen the wildlife. People who love nature are happy to share their experiences.

This is a beautiful place, go and enjoy it in peace.

Many of these images are available as prints at Photo4me. Free UK delivery.

Notebooks, greeting cards and gifts via my Redbubble store.

Scroll down to see links to Norfolk prints and merchandise.

Please subscribe and follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Come say hello and chat about photography!

Lost in Norfolk

Lost in Norfolk -lost in the beauty, the skies, the beaches, the atmosphere.

View post to subscribe to site newsletter.

When I say “Lost in Norfolk”, what I mean is “lost in the beauty of this incredible county.” Lost in the big skies, the never-ending coastline, lost in the bountiful Norfolk Broads, lost in the romance and joy of it all. That’s what “Lost in Norfolk” really means. 

You only need the compass to give you your true bearings… or to find your way to the places you love most!

When I visited Norfolk as a child, I had an immediate sense of feeling at home. Little did I know I would end up living here, but it seemed like the most natural place in the world for me to be. 

For some reason, I knew I wanted to leave Cambridge (my place of birth). For some reason, it never felt right to me. It isn’t that I didn’t have a happy childhood and I did enjoy my teens there, but there was never the sense of real belonging that I feel here. 

In my office there hangs a picture of me as a baby, dangling on my father’s knee in a Norfolk park, which I feel sure is Eaton Park. I think we may have stopped off there on the way to the coast. When I discovered the photograph, it became clear why I felt so at ease in Norfolk.

There were lots of visits to Norfolk over the years. My cousin came to UEA, and I visited her on many a weekend. Then, eventually, the pull became too much to resist, and I moved to Norfolk and lived happily ever after. 

There is always something new to discover, to learn, to revel in here in Norfolk. It’s a place to lose yourself in and find yourself. The only place I have ever felt truly free.

Check out my Norfolk Collection below and please subscribe for updates. The Norfolk Collection is available via Redbubble who print and deliver worldwide. Great quality items and lots of options on colours and styles.

Please go and browse! Visit the image links.

Visit my Norfolk Clothing Collection page to see more styles and colours.