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Abbey Farm, Flitcham (TF737266)

DIRECTIONS

From the A149 King's Lynn bypass, take the A148  at Knights Hill Hotel towards Fakenham.  After passing through the village of Hillington, take the first left signed Bircham.  In the village of Flitcham turn right on Abbey Lane.  The farm is about  half a mile down on the right.  Parking is limited and there is one small hide.

Until fairly recently this site was only known to locals and a handful of visiting bird watchers.  Recent, fairly regular sightings of Red Kites has meant that Abbey Farm is now often  visited throughout the year.  The site consists of a series of traditional wet meadows with pools.  Here you can regularly view Water Rail, Gadwall, Teal, Little Owl, Common Snipe, Kingfisher and much more.

 Abbey Farm is a gem.  Special thanks go to the farmer who manages this area  for wildlife.  It is a very good location for Tree Sparrow, often associating with flocks of Yellowhammer.  During winter months thousands of Pink-footed Geese can be seen feeding on nearby, newly harvested Sugar Beet fields.  Special care must be taken not to disturb these feeding flocks.  A days feeding for one goose provides it with the energy to fly back to the Wash to roost and survive the night.  In the morning, it then has to fly back to Flitcham before breakfast!  Careless birding keeps the birds on the wing, utilising energy rather than packing it away.