23rd January 2026. Cold, and although overcast it’s forecast dry (at least in the morning) and the wind isn’t too blustery. So let’s hop on that bus and head into Norwich, to walk out again to Whitlingham Country Park. Cos there may not be pretty bright flowers, nor butterflies, and maybe the fungi are now scarce, but at least there’ll be birds. Let’s go…

23rd January 2026

🔼 Our walk takes us past the ‘industrial’ side of the city, long ago situated here because of the easy access to rail transport 🔽 Along the lane that leads to the park, I see someone’s been gardening and cannot resist the photo

23rd January 2026

23rd January 2026

I’ve said no pretty bright flowers. Yet flowers there are. Catkins 🔼 Hazel 🔽 Alder

23rd January 2026

🔽 And let’s not forget the reedmace

23rd January 2026

23rd January 2026

Mallards. Happy ducks! 🔼🔽 They’re already pairing up and mating

23rd January 2026

🔼 Little Egret looking great perched high in the alder tree

23rd January 2026

23rd January 2026

Swans 🔼 A settled couple 🔽 and the dating club

23rd January 2026

🔽 Mixed bathing!

23rd January 2026

23rd January 2026

🔼 We’ve visited here in winter and this path has been flooded and impassable. But not this day. Yay!

23rd January 2026

Whitlingham Broad sits in the sweeping embrace of the river Yare 🔼 A boat moored for the night, and now all atilt cos the tide’s gone out. 30 miles inland and the river is still tidal 🔽 Looking across the Yare to the ‘heights’ northeast of the city, where Mousehold Heath rolls into the river valley

23rd January 2026

And that’s as far as we’re going today. Now to head back to the cafe for coffee and a cheese scone. Hope you enjoyed