Where can I see Common Cranes in the Norfolk Broads?

Common Cranes are one of Europe's largest birds with a wingspan of up to 2.2 meters, and a small breeding population was established in the Broads in the 1970s where they have gone from strength to strength.

One of the best places to see Cranes in the late Autumn and Winter months is at the Wildlife Trust in Hickling and on surrounding farmland. We often see them on the fields where the potatoes have been harvested as they love to eat any leftovers! Stubb Mill is a fantastic raptor roost spot alongside the reserve in Hickling. Arrive an hour before sunset, and seeing up to 30 Cranes come into roost is possible.

In the Spring and Summer, it is still possible to spot them, and we often hear them on the farm and see them flying overhead, making their incredible and unique calling sound.

We welcome many Bird and Wildlife watchers here at Dairy Barns and are happy to allow you access to the farm to spot not only Cranes but also Barn Owls, Marsh Harriers and Hen Harriers, to name a few.