Natural England - The Wash NNR
The Wash NNR
The reserve is a mix of open deep water, permanent shallow water, mudflat and saltmarsh. The intertidal mudflats and saltmarshes represent one of Britain's most important winter feeding areas for waders and wildfowl.
County: Lincolnshire & Norfolk
Main habitats: Coastal
Area: 8881 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map.
The Wash NNR is one of the most outstanding coastal wetlands in Europe.
To view the information sheet describing the reserve click here. 
In the autumn large numbers of migrant birds such as grey plover, knot, dunlin, oystercatcher and bar-tailed godwit arrive to feed on the invertebrates found in the sands and mudflats. The best time to see large flocks of waders is on a rising tide between September and early May as the birds are pushed by the incoming water off the mud and saltmarsh onto the surrounding land.
As winter approaches, duck and geese move into the Wash. Pink-footed and brent geese, wigeon, pintail and mallard are found throughout the reserve until the onset of spring.
The saltmarsh is of considerable botanical importance and represents a valuable area for breeding birds, especially redshank, oystercatcher and avocet.
The Outer Trial Bank, an artificial island, is an important site for breeding seabirds. Common seals pup on the sandbanks during the summer.
Location and access
The Wash NNR lies on the southern shore of The Wash between the outlet of the River Nene and the estuary of the Great Ouse river.
The nearest towns are King's Lynn, on the Great Ouse, at the eastern boundary of the reserve and Sutton Bridge, on the River Nene, 14 km to the west.
King's Lynn and Sutton bridge are connected by the A17. By car, access to the site is via minor roads from the A17.
The nearest car parks are near Guy's Point on the River Nene, and Ongar Hill, one km from the coast on the eastern side of the reserve. Additional car parking can be found in Sutton Bridge, King's Lynn and the village of Clenchwarton, two km to the west of King's Lynn.
The nearest train station is in King's Lynn served by WAGN.
Bus services between King's Lynn and Sutton Bridge are provided by Norfolk Green and Cavalier Travel.
King's Lynn is on the junction of National Route one and National Route 11 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.
A number of footpaths and trails allow access to the reserve from local towns and villages. The Peter Scott Walk runs the entire length of the coastline within the reserve. This path connects with a major trail, the Nene Way, at the River Nene. The Clenchwarton Parish Walk joins with the Peter Scott Walk at the River Ouse, and the Rhoon Road connects the western end of the Clenchwarton Parish Walk with the Peter Scott Walk via Ongar Hill.
Recently the reserve has been extended to include Kirton Marsh near Boston, a car park is available at the reserve which can be accessed by minor roads from Kirton village.
Please note that the coastline beyond public rights of way can be extremely dangerous and should not be explored without an experienced local guide.
The Peter Scott Walk offers easy access but is not suitable for wheelchairs. A short boardwalk suitable for wheelchairs can be accessed via King's Lynn Port.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in Sutton Bridge and King's Lynn. There is a picnic area at the Guy's Point car park.
The Green Quay Visitor Centre in King's Lynn provides extensive information regarding The Wash and its wildlife and offers special bookings for schools.