Short birdwatching visit · Norfolk Wildlife Trust
Thompson Common
Thompson, south of Watton · NR17 1DP
Thompson Common is a varied Breckland reserve where woodland, grassland and shallow pingo ponds reflect a landscape shaped by the last Ice Age. Public paths include boardwalk sections and join the Great Eastern Pingo Trail, giving options for a short reserve walk or a longer outing. Spring warbler song is highlighted in the current NWT guide. Its February 2024 page names Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap, with Marsh Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker among the resident birds. These listening and woodland interests sit alongside exceptional plants, dragonflies and pool frogs. Follow the paths between the ponds, leaving their delicate margins undisturbed.
Birds and seasons
- Willow Warbler — Spring — operator’s February 2024 guide
- Chiffchaff — Spring — operator’s February 2024 guide
- Blackcap — Spring — operator’s February 2024 guide
- Marsh Tit — All year — operator’s February 2024 guide
- Great Spotted Woodpecker — All year — operator’s February 2024 guide
Plan your visit
- Paths
- Pingo Trail paths and boardwalk sections cross the reserve; free dawn-to-dusk access.
- Parking
- Great Eastern Pingo Trail car park off the A1075.
- Dogs
- Dogs on leads around grazing animals.
- Accessibility
- NWT access grade 2.
Getting there: Start from the published Great Eastern Pingo Trail car park and use the pedestrian gate.
Sources
Social preview: original typographic artwork by Does Your Duck Quack.
Continue birding nearby
Nearest full guide: Lakenheath Fen, 15.0 miles away in a straight line.