(Last visited August 2020)
A beautiful little spot about 20 minutes or so out of Norwich in the pretty little village of Lyng. It’s a Norfolk Wildlife Trust nature reserve which also runs alongside the Norfolk Trails Wensum Way. The reserve itself isn’t large and is approximately one mile route around a former gravel pit which is now a beautiful lake full of wildlife.
A few hazards to be aware of. The north and east of the walk the walk is elevated with steep banks so keep little ones close. There is also a small section on the south-west side where you may possibly come across cattle so be especially vigilant during calving season. One for baby carriers as not one for pushchairs – the path narrows and there are some barriers. However, as an alternative, the Wensum Way also runs from the car park and has nice, flat surfaces (but will be an out and back).
Some sections are beautiful though, especially the south side where the lake is more visible. We sat on a little jetty for ages and watched dragonflies and swans. Lyng is also a great place for food and facilities to make a morning of it.
🌿Length: 1 mile
🌿Café: The fab Lyng Stores and Fox at Lyng pub are nearby (check websites for Covid updates – the Fox is shut during lockdown)
🌿Play area: There’s a good one behind the village hall – NR9 5RF
🌿Pushchairs: Not round the NWT lake, but the Wensum Way is an accessible route from the car park
🌿Dogs: No dog policy on most of the reserve – exception is on the public footpath (Wensum Way) where NWT request they are kept on a short lead during breeding season (May-Sept)
🌿Loos: No
🌿Seats: No
🌿Picnic area: No
🌿Opening times: Always open
🌿Entrance fee: Free
🌿Parking: Small car park (c.6 cars) at NR9 5QY (///backpack.enough.grief)
🌿Other: Some hazards (see above)
🌿Website: https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-in-norfolk/nature-reserves/reserves/sparham-pools
