How Hill
How Hill nature reserve is an extensive wetland area on the River Ant, within the Norfolk Broads - the only wetland National Park in the UK.
The Broads has the largest expanse of species-rich fen in Britain, which in the past was extensively harvested for animal feed, bedding and thatch. Reeds and sedges are still grown and harvested at How Hill for thatching, but many fens have been neglected. Much of this rare habitat is drying out.
There is a good chance that bitterns will start to breed here quite soon. How Hill forms an important link between Little Reedham Marsh, which supports breeding bitterns, and Hulver Ground, an isolated area important for its plant life. How Hill is in the same valley as Barton Broad where restoration work has attracted breeding bitterns.
Work got underway in autumn 2003. Following the purchase of the land, pump drainage was ceased and fen vegetation began to develop, showing that the land is naturally wet. The land was excavated to provide ares of deep water and variation in depths. Exisitng ditches have been widened and given a shallow, scalloped edge. They connect the areas of ope water so that fish can circulate. Water controls will be put in place to ensure the best conditions for bitterns - allowing fish in but keeping predators from accessing their nests.
How Hill has a variety of wildlife including swallowtail butterflies, Norfolk hawker dragonflies, otters and water voles. There is a good network of public footpaths and waterways, making it one of the best places to see a working reedbed in the Broads.
For more information about How Hill please contact: Rob Andrews, Broads Authority, 18 Colegate, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 1BQ
