What can be more classic than a day out feeding the ducks? Treat your elderly relatives to these finest of duck spots in and around West Norfolk!
A classic activity as old as time. People have been feeding ducks by rivers, ponds, and lakes for as long as anyone can remember. With springtime rolling in and the ducks, still as cute as ever, thriving in towns and villages, it’s a fantastic time of year to take your elderly loved ones out for the afternoon to feed the ducks. However, not all duck ponds are the same, so we have created this list of the best ducky spots so you can make sure to take your loved ones to the right spots for the fullest experience.
A historic urban park in the heart of King’s Lynn, The Walks is the only surviving 18th Century town walk in Norfolk. The park’s added modern touches create the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing stroll and explore the history of the site. With level entrances, the Walks is flat with tarmac paths throughout, accessible for all.
There is lots to see and do, without being too much, including a unique 15th Century chapel, The Red Mount, as well as beautiful landscaping, and a lovely café. Picnic benches scattered around the park provide plenty of seating, for a relaxing break or snack.
The Willows Nature Reserve is a hidden gem, tucked away in Downham Market between an industrial estate, derelict land, a building site, and a housing estate. It is a tranquil oasis, much loved by the people who know it. There is a pond with water lilies and fish, reed beds, mature trees, bird boxes, wilderness areas and well-kept open spaces that families can come and enjoy.
Pensthorpe is a 700-acre nature reserve and woodland conservation park, the ultimate destination for discovery for the whole family. Here you can explore magical gardens, take a trail through our internationally recognised reserve, and get up close with feathered friends, spot the red squirrels and flamingos. Don’t forget to wet your beak at the café and stop off at the shop too.
Located on the outskirts of Ely, the pits have several walks through the area leading to and from the river, with stunning views of both the cathedral and river alike. For many decades the Pits have been enjoyed by local people as a recreational facility and they continue to provide access to sailing and angling and a peaceful environment for walkers and nature lovers.
Roswell Pits support many breeding birds including the great crested grebe, tufted duck and kingfisher and provides foraging and resting areas during winter. With a wide variety of habitats many other species are found here: water voles, otters, several bat species, and dragonflies.
When feeding ducks, always remember to do so responsibly! While bread is the traditional choice, it’s always better to offer wholegrain bread where possible and to add variety with oats, seeds, lettuce, and peas. While bread is not necessarily bad for ducks, it isn’t very good for them either. Filling up on bread makes them less inclined to forage for more nutritious food and could lead to malnutrition. If the bread is stale or mouldy, it could also make them ill.
Exercise restraint and make sure that everyone enjoys your day out, whether they have hair or feathers, while experiencing the Great British outdoors. If you like the look of a ducky outing with the family, find out more about supported living in this area and see if home care in West Norfolk could be the right choice for your loved ones.