Schoolchildren enjoyed a trip to a wildlife haven in the Norfolk Broads that has been celebrating a major revamp. 

Pupils from Fairhaven Primary School in South Walsham visited Ranworth Broad where they were “excited” to see a pair of otters. 

Facilities at the nature reserve, which is home to rare species including bittern, swallowtail butterflies and marsh harriers, have recently been revamped by Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT). 

The charity has been improving access to the site, adding new information and signage as well as offering new activities.  

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Norfolk Wildlife Trust has recently completed a revamp of facilities at Ranworth Broad. Norfolk Wildlife Trust has recently completed a revamp of facilities at Ranworth Broad. (Image: Barry Madden)

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Full access to the reserve will be available at no cost during an open day on Saturday, May 27. 

Nick Morritt, NWT visitor centre and sales manager, said: “We are delighted to be able to make the reserve even more accessible and welcoming than ever and are looking forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy this special place and its amazing wildlife on Saturday.  

“You might spot a kingfisher from our new wildlife hide, and if you’re very lucky, perhaps even an otter.”  

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Great Yarmouth Mercury: Children from Fairhaven Primary School enjoying 'dyke-dipping' during a trip to Ranworth Broad. Children from Fairhaven Primary School enjoying 'dyke-dipping' during a trip to Ranworth Broad. (Image: Norfolk Wildlife Trust)

Activities include dyke dipping sessions exploring the broad’s underwater creatures and boat trails for those who would prefer to stay above the water. 

A teacher from Fairhaven Primary School said: “The children were so engaged and excited to try out the activities.

"They have been learning about animals in the local environment and their habits, so this was a perfect day to enrich their knowledge.  

“When they arrived back at school, they couldn't stop talking about everything they had done and seen - especially the two otters.”  

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Great Yarmouth Mercury: Pupils from Fairhaven Primary School were excited to try out activities at the revamped Ranworth Broad wildlife haven in the Norfolk Broads. Pupils from Fairhaven Primary School were excited to try out activities at the revamped Ranworth Broad wildlife haven in the Norfolk Broads. (Image: Norfolk Wildlife Trust)

The Discovering Ranworth project has been funded by a variety of NWT’s supporters including Essex and Suffolk Water, Norwich Freemen’s Charity and The Ranworth Trust.  

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Staff and pupils from Fairhaven Primary School on a boat trip at Ranworth Broad. Staff and pupils from Fairhaven Primary School on a boat trip at Ranworth Broad. (Image: Barry Madden)

For more information about NWT's Discovering Ranworth open day, visit: norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/events.   

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A boardwalk snakes through the wet woodland of Ranworth Broad. A boardwalk snakes through the wet woodland of Ranworth Broad. (Image: Richard Osbourne)