Tesco, Lakenham

Probably the least known reserve in Norwich, but an ideal chance to mix shopping and spotting, this reserve is actually reached via Tescos car park. Sadly it is sorely neglected, the hide that once stood here having been burnt down, but it remains a pleasant spot to pop in for a few minutes. It has a pond,, but again this is fairly lifeless at the moment.

Unfortunately the likelyhood of vandalism means that it is not going to have any of the scarce resources available lavished upon it, despite its potential. We include it really as a salutary lesson in the reality of conservation in an urban setting.

Having said that, it has some wildlife interest still, with a kestrel in attendance, Common Darters and Migrant Hawkers hunt here and there are some interesting wild flowers.

A Scarlet Pimpernel makes a red pinprick in a sea of green

Directions

The Tesco superstore is on the Ipswich Road, just past harford bridge. Stand in Tescos' carpark looking at the entrance to the store. The reserve is to your left, roughly in line with the zebra crossing that heads left from the entrance. There are a set of rails in front of it. On the left hand side of the rails are steps leading down to the reserve.

Tour

The path turns to the left from the bottom of the steps and then forms a circular track around the very small reserve. Look for warblers in the hedges, a kestral hovering on the fields to your right, and the black and yellow caterpillers of the five-spotted burnet on yellow ragwort.

The reserve is on the southern bank of the Yare - the opposite bank is the old Harford Tip, now covered up and reverting to grassland. Interestingly this is slated to become a public park - Lakenham Common - when the site has stabilised, and promises to have a great deal of wildlife interest.

Next

Head back up Ipswich Road to Danby Wood LNR, or cross the Ipswich Road, turn left at the lights and take the bridleway to Eaton Common.