This location is classed as Nature and Woodland
This disused railway embankment (the King’s Lynn–Dereham line was closed in the 1960s) contains a rare habitat-type for Norfolk: chalk grassland. As a consequence it supports a range of interesting plants, including pyramidal and early purple orchids, marsh helleborine and autumn gentian. It is one of the best sites for butterflies in Norfolk, with at least 30 species recorded. This reserve is grazed by cattle or sheep and depending on the number of stock present the reserve could be closed - the reserve is currently open. Grazing maintains the open grassland habitat and assists in the abundance of butterflies associated with this site. If you are planning a visit and are unsure whether the reserve is open, please call us first on 01603 625540. Grizzled Skipper This small, brown butterfly is rather plain, although newly emerged adults have a pleasant, subtle mixture of greys and brown. The species is on the wing for a few weeks from early May. It prefers more open areas of the reserve.