Natural highways

Otters leave their spraint as marking under the Blackbourn river bridge at Bardwell. If you are very patient otters can be seen in the river from the bridge. They can also be seen at Ixworth and further upstream towards Tostock. This river flows into Thetford where otters can be commonly seen in and around the town. Lots of other wildlife is linked to the river and its banks including; Tree Sparrows that can be seen in the scrubby fens and woods that line the river, Barn Owls and many insects like Banded Demoiselle damselfly.

The Blackbourne flows through intensively farmed Suffolk and into South Norfolk and for much of its length it can flood after heavy rain. This tendency, and the poorly drained, peaty soil along its banks make farming impractical. The willow woodland, water meadows and scrubby fen are home and highway for much wildlife through mid Suffolk.

Ponds and Willow woodland near the river at Little Haugh

Towards its eastern end the Blackbourne runs through the northern side of little Haugh Farm and very close to Halls Farm in Norton. In addition to being an arable farm, Little Haugh is used for shooting and the land round the river encourages duck and game birds. There is a mix of ponds, rough grassland and woods all lightly managed, overgrown and wild looking. As well as game birds this area is ideal for wildlife, Barn Owls and Buzzards breed here, as well as numerous smaller birds including Warblers, Tits and often Tree Sparrows. Cuckoos are virtually guaranteed every spring. Insects, plants, frogs, and small mammals all thrive here too. However, Foxes and Muntjac Deer are discouraged by shooting.

Comma resting on old Cow parsley

The diverse life that flourishes around the river at Little Haugh is like an investment bank, wildlife can spread out into the surrounding farmland where ever a small bit of suitable habitat is allowed to develop. These habitats can include field margins, hedges and small ponds.

An indication of how significant the area is around the Blackbourne River at Norton is that there are at least 4 pairs of Barn Owls breeding at Little Haugh and Halls Farm. The Total UK Barn Owl population is 4000 pairs. The presence of Otters, Buzzards, Barn Owls and other hunting animals is a clear signal that this is great place for wildlife as well as being profitable farmland and a successful game-bird shoot.

Barn Owl, Hunting angel Early morning, June Suffolk. Tyto alba

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