After a week or so of very drab and damp weather the sun finally shone on North Norfolk on Sunday. We took one of our favourite rambles starting at Sheringham Park which is owned by the National Trust and only five mins in the car from Bridge Cottages.
The walk down through the Park to the coast between Weybourne and Sheringham is very scenic with great views out to sea and towards Sheringham. The park is renowned for the collection of rhododendrons which were just past their best but still making a good show.
When we reached the cliffs we turned west and headed along the clifftop path towards Weybourne beach with the coastline visible right out to Blakeney Point. We then walked back up to Sheringham Park via Weybourne village and the North Norfolk Railway at Weybourne station.
Wildlife sightings along the way included numerous singing Skylarks along the clifftop, Sand Martins at Weybourne Coastguards Cottages, Sandwich & Common Terns out to sea and a solitary Fulmar riding the breeze along the cliffs.
Closer to home the Bessingham ramble has produced sightings of two new 'patch' species, a pair of Mistle Thrushes and a Common Sandpiper. Other highlights included 13 of the local Red Deer population gathered together in one herd grazing on a set aside strip, Grey Partridge, numerous Brown Hares, Roe Deer, Barn Owls, & Common Buzzard.
Highlight of the late spring, early summer thus far has been our very own Springwatch as we have watched two fledgling Tawny Owls being raised in the copse at the end of the garden. The sight of one trying to catch a good sized rabbit and then running around on the ground after the Rabbit had won an unequal contest was a sight to behold.
