NORFOLK ECOSYSTEMS

Norfolk has a variety of ecosystems, for example

·The Fens

·The Coast

·The Broads

·The Agricultural Land

NORFOLK FENS

• Around 56 species in Norfolk depend fully or partly on reed beds to survive (which we can see in the picture and are associated to The Fens) .

The fens are grassy wetlands ( marshes ) with alkaline soil. They were drained about 200 years ago. They are crossed by ditches and rivers. They’re found mostly in the west of the county. This is what they look like today.

WILDLIFE OF THE FENS

This is a barn owl, which feed on field mice like this one.

This is an otter, which lives in the rivers and feeds when it can on fish and eels like the one below.

NORFOLK COASTThe North sea is found in the north

and the east of Norfolk.The beaches are long and are either sandy or made up of pebbles (small stones). There are sand dunes between the beach and the marshes. There are marron grass that hold the sand firmly to the ground due to their long root system.

There are many differente species of fish and seabirds, of wich most are just stopping for a rest in their migrational route. We can also find a few mammals.

This is an arctic tern, a migratory bird which feeds on fish and crabs like the one below.

This is a group of seals, quite commonly seen that feed on these herrings which are found in the North Sea.

WILDLIFE OF THE NORFOLK COAST

THE NORFOLK BROADS

• The broads are a network of navigable rivers and lakes.They are a very popular holiday destination.They’re protected by law as nature reserves.It’s vegetation is predominantly reeds and rushes.

Coot Great Crested Grebe

Grelylag Goose Grey Heron

These birds feed on snails, frogs and fish which live in the broads

WILDLIFE OF THE NORFOLK BROADS

NORFOLK AGRICULTURAL LANDS

• Norfolk is farmed intensely, and this landscape is what you can mostly see. Typical crops are: wheat, barley, sugar beet, etc.

This is a pheasant, bred only for hunting.

This is a poppy in a wheat field, Poppys are wild flowers that you can see easily.

There are lots of rabbits that feed in the farm lands This is a mixed woodland, very common in Norfolk.

WILDLIFE OF THE AGRICULTURAL LANDS