New website
We're currently redeveloping our website so you may see a mix of old and new style pages while we complete this work. We'd love to hear your feedback on the new style.
Discover nature reserves - Mousehold Heath
Discover Norwich’s largest local nature reserve
Spanning an impressive 92.2 hectares, this is the largest local nature reserve in Norwich. Once open heathland, the area has transformed into a rich tapestry of broad-leaved semi-natural woodland, offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and curious wanderers alike.
Woodland wonders
The reserve is home to a variety of trees including oak, birch, beech, and lime, creating a canopy that shelters a quiet, often sparse undergrowth. While much of the ground is bare, patches of acid grassland still thrive, often dominated by gorse, which adds bursts of golden yellow in bloom.
Heathland in transition
In areas where heathland remains, heather (mainly Calluna with some Erica) fights to hold its ground against encroaching gorse and bracken. These pockets of heath offer a glimpse into the site’s past and are vital for preserving biodiversity.
Wildlife highlights
Keep an eye out for lizards basking in the sun, a variety of woodland birds, and in early spring, a clay-lined pond becomes a bustling nursery for breeding frogs—though it may dry up during the summer months.
A community favourite
This reserve is one of the most frequently visited green spaces in the city, especially popular with dog walkers and local residents. A network of informal paths crisscrosses the site, making it easy to explore at your own pace. Along the edges, you’ll also find sports pitches with improved grass, blending recreation with nature.
