Fisherfleet and Lynn Point

Fisher Fleet and Lynn Point (TF614207) & (TF603234)

DIRECTIONS

Heading north from the Hardwick roundabout (A149) follow signs for docks. At the northern most roundabout, by Knights Hill Hotel take the A148 into King's Lynn. Straight over the traffic lights this road becomes the A1078. Follow this road for a little under 4 miles then on the sharp left bend turn right into the docks. There is public access along the road but be aware of traffic.

The first area of open water on the right before you cross the swing bridge can be good for gulls. Several hundred Turnstone have also been recorded here during winter months feeding on spilled grain. The channel on your left as you continue along the road is Fisher Fleet (see top left photograph).

Fisher Fleet is the base for a small shellfish factory, hence the small vessels moored at low tide. This site can be viewed on your way to or from Lynn Point. The main point of interest is the shellfish waste outfall, which is located on the far bank just prior to the fleet joining the River Great Ouse. Sadly this outfall has recently been modernised. It will be interesting to see what effect this has on birding here. Winter is perhaps best, when you should keep a look out for interesting gulls. Iceland, Ring-billed, Mediterranean, Yellow-legged and Glaucous have all been recorded. One individual Glaucous stayed from winter 99/2000 to July 2000 at least, (possibly the second longest staying Glaucous in the UK)! Eider can sometimes be seen here, with one record of an adult male in May!

On your way down to the point spare some time to check both the factory areas and bushes. Common and Black Redstart have been seen around the factories, with a good selection of warblers and thrushes in the hedgerow. Obviously depending on the time of year! In November 2001 this area held Barred Warbler and Serin. Cetti's Warbler was caught and ringed in 2003.

Lynn Point really is one of our premier sites within NarVOS. If you think the air is bracing at Skegness, then you have not been to the point. Past Fisher Fleet the lane runs parallel to the river for a several kilometers. Park up just past the cottages and walk straight ahead to the point. Any time of year is worth a visit, but coincide your visit with a rising tide (about 1.5-2hrs before high water is best). Depending on time of year you could be watching thousand's of waders and Brent Geese or listening to the unmistakable song of the male Reed Bunting. Sightings here have included; Long-billed Dowitcher, Richard's Pipit, Sabine's Gull, Black Brant and Red-breasted Goose. Strong north westerlies in late summer to autumn will bring in skuas and petrels. Evening or dawn during the winter provides us with an impressive mixed gull roost in the distance at the Ousemouth. Most fly past your head. Just like the dock's area in King's Lynn access here is fairly restricted. Please observe and obey notices. In recent years this has become a good site in NarVOS for Little Egret, though in small numbers.

Other interesting locations close by:

Roydon Common Sandringham Tottenhill Gravel Pits

Dersingham Bog King's Lynn Town