Christmas and New Year closure information
Our council offices and phone lines will close at 4pm on Wednesday 24 December and reopen at 9am on Monday 5 January 2026.
See our service arrangements for customers during this time.
Discover nature reserves - Marston Marsh
Discover the wild heart of the Yare Valley
Nestled on the northern banks of the River Yare, this expansive 26-hectare site is a haven of floodplain grazing marsh, teeming with life and rich in natural beauty. Crisscrossed by a network of dykes - carefully managed on a rotational basis - the landscape thrives under a seasonal rhythm of cattle grazing and summer mowing, preserving its lush character and biodiversity.
Wander through pockets of damp woodland where ancient willows stand sentinel, their branches shaped by traditional pollarding. Five tranquil wildlife ponds shimmer across the site, offering sanctuary to a variety of species.
Wildlife highlights
- water voles dart along the dykes, while otters - though elusive - are likely to be nearby
- a vibrant display of orchids and marsh flora adds bursts of color in summer
- dragonflies dance above the water, and in winter, geese gather in flocks across the marsh
- a snipe was spotted this past winter, adding to the site's growing list of birdlife.
Getting around
Access is welcoming yet mindful of nature, with kissing gates, tracks, and a limited boardwalk guiding visitors through the landscape. The Marston-Eaton link path connects the site to nearby areas, skirting the edge of Eaton Golf Course for a scenic stroll.
