A walk through Pensthorpe – birds, fungi and nature’s Autumn splendour

Living in Norfolk, we are fortunate to have places like Pensthorpe Nature Reserve right on our doorstep.

On a recent visit, I had the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of this remarkable reserve, with its lakes, wetlands, and woodland trails. It’s a haven for wildlife, particularly at this time of year, as autumn brings a vibrant display of fungi and the arrival of wintering birds.

Feathered friends

One of the highlights of my trip was encountering the diverse array of birds that call Pensthorpe home. Right from the start, I was greeted by a flock of friendly Mallards waiting near the entrance for their share of bird food. These sociable ducks seemed to know exactly where to gather, eagerly following us around the park.

Among the other birds I spotted were:

• Tufted Ducks, with their striking black and white plumage and characteristic head tufts. These small diving ducks are excellent swimmers and can be found on freshwater lakes across the UK.
• Pochards, another species of diving duck, are recognisable by their rusty red heads and grey bodies. These birds are often seen in the UK during winter, when large flocks arrive from Northern Europe.
• Gadwall, a more understated but elegant species with a subtly patterned grey-brown appearance. Though not as flamboyant as other ducks, the Gadwall is a graceful presence on our lakes.
• Common Shovelers, with their large, distinctive spoon-shaped bills, are easy to spot as they skim the water’s surface, filtering out invertebrates and plant matter.

The lakes were also teeming with Swans, Cormorants, Coots and Moorhens. The birdlife at Pensthorpe is so diverse that there is always something new to discover, and with the change in seasons, I’m sure more species will arrive as winter approaches.

Autumn foraging – discovering fungi

While the birds stole the show for me, I also ventured into the woodland areas to explore the incredible variety of fungi on display. Fungi are often overlooked, but autumn is their time to shine, and Pensthorpe did not disappoint.

I am no Mycologist, so I was learning using the internet as I was going along! But, the most recognisable was the Fly Agaric – the iconic red mushroom with white spots that looks straight out of a fairy tale. Though beautiful, it’s important to remember that this mushroom is poisonous, and best admired from a distance.

I also came across:

• Parasol Mushrooms, towering above the grass with their broad, umbrella-like caps. These large fungi are quite the sight, and are edible when young, though they should be approached with caution unless you’re certain of the identification.
• Horse Mushrooms, a relative of the common field mushroom, are another edible variety, often found in grassy areas.
• The Amethyst Deceiver, a stunning purple mushroom that brightens up the forest floor. Though edible, its small size and variability mean it’s often overlooked by foragers.
• The Wood Hedgehog, an oddly named but fascinating fungus with spines rather than gills beneath its cap. This edible species is another example of the diversity of fungi found in Pensthorpe.
• Parasitic Bolete, a less common species that is fascinating in its behaviour, as it grows on the decaying remains of other fungi.

A place to reconnect with nature

My visit to Pensthorpe was a reminder of how lucky we are to have such a stunning natural space in Norfolk. The diverse birdlife, the colourful fungi, and the peaceful lakes make it a perfect destination for nature lovers. I’m already looking forward to returning in winter to see how the landscape changes, and to spot new bird arrivals as migration continues.

Pensthorpe offers something for everyone, whether you’re an avid birder, a budding mycologist, or simply someone who enjoys a peaceful walk in nature. As the seasons change, so too does the park, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Get involved

If you’re interested in discovering more about Norfolk’s wildlife and protecting our beautiful landscapes, consider joining CPRE Norfolk. Whether through volunteering, becoming a member, or simply learning more about local conservation efforts, there are plenty of ways to get involved in ensuring Norfolk’s natural beauty is preserved for generations to come.

For those fascinated by fungi, you can also explore more by reading the CPRE UK’s blog on spotting weird and wonderful fungi.