By Anthony Spicer.
The Norfolk broads has always been an area that has interested me for wildlife. It’s a land rich in biodiversity, from its waterways which are home to various species of fish including perch and pike, to its peaty fens where you can find more than 250 different plant species, including the nationally protected fen orchid. If birds are more your thing, then some species are in particular abundance like teal and wigeon and many species of warbler too. It was bound to be a great trip as we ventured down there for a few days.
One mammal in particular I was looking forward to seeing were brown hares. Unlike popular belief brown hares are not native to the UK, they were in fact introduced during the roman times. However, since then they have become naturalised all over the UK, and even introduced to some islands around the mainland. They are wonderful animals to see and observe, often most active at dawn and dusk. They create ‘forms’ in which they sit and rest in during the day. They rely on their acute sense of smell and amazing bursts of speed to evade predators; they can reach a top speed of 45mph if they wish to. Although generally solitary mammals they will often stick together in small groups when feeding in open arable fields.
We were so incredibly lucky that where we were staying had plenty of brown hares active at dawn and dusk in the field directly behind our accommodation.
Brown hares
Another mammal we encountered looking out over the same field was a specie of deer which is rather unusual in its appearance. Rather than having the customary antlers which so many other deer species have, it has 2 short fanged teeth appearing from its mouth in a downwards direction. This deer is called the Chinese water deer it is not native to the UK, in fact it was introduced by the Chinese in the 19th century. It generally favours a wet, marshy habitat and like other deer they are very good swimmers. Norfolk has a good population of these intriguing mammals, however the overall population in Britain is increasing. We were very lucky that during the day 1 or 2 were active in the field alongside the brown hares.
Chinese water deer
Before we went down to the Norfolk broads, I was advised by someone to check out Horsey Gap beach for potential birds at high tide. So, we headed over before midday to see what was about. As we made our way over the top of the sandy path from the car park we were greeted by a rather strange site, from the shoreline into the distance we noticed a few heads poking out of the water. It wasn’t until I checked in the binoculars that they were in fact seals! At this point we noticed a rather large gathering of people further up the beach. So, we ventured as far up as we could to see what was happening.
We got to the highest point and what a sight, there were hundreds if not thousands of seals lining the beach! We couldn’t believe how many there were, all different age ranges from juveniles that had been born last year to fully sized males which were a sight to behold themselves. Grey and common seals will often come to shore to pup, with the pupping season occurring at a different time based on the species. You must give the seals plenty of room when photographing them during and before the pupping season, as getting too close can cause great distress to the seals and they can abandon their pups. All these photos were taken at a safe and fair distance away on a long lens.
Other highlights from our trip included a juvenile cuckoo and a few green woodpeckers. Juvenile cuckoos can sometimes be seen at this time of year as they get ready for their mammoth first journey to Africa for the winter.
Find more from Anthony
Check out our related designs below
10% of the sale price of all products is donated to British wildlife charities
THE HARE
The sprightly mountain hare Lepus timidus bounds across heathlands, confusing hopeful predators. With his white winter coat and black tipped ears, he hastily nibbles at bushes and trees before darting to the safety of his shallow 'form'.
Species of hare in the UK:
2
THE WOODPECKER
High up in the treetops, the lesser spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos minor quietly creeps along branches in search of insects. Distant drumming and a quick flash of black and white wings, and the tiny woodpecker disappears once again.
UK Conservation Status:
RED
THE SEAL
The curious face of the grey seal Halichoerus grypus, bobs above the water’s surface, before disappearing below the waves to fish. With a sloping ‘roman nose’ and unique pattern of spots, the grey seal returns to land to rest and give birth to its white, fluffy pup.
Species of seal in the UK:
2
We’re raising money to support wildlife conservation with our Big Fundraiser for Wildlife!
Wildlife prints signed by celebrities and influencers available to buy now. 50% of the sale of all prints is donated to charity.
Limited number of prints available to purchase now!
Alison Steadman has kindly signed 100 copies of our hedgehog print, to help raise awareness of the decline of this species. £12.50 from the sale of each print will be donated to the People’s Trust for Endangered Species to help fund their conservation and research work into many declining wildlife species.
Each print features a beautiful hand drawn image of a hedgehog, and is presented on textured paper, giving the image a sense of depth and realism. Available in A4 only.
Designed and made in England.
Prints are unframed and printed on FSC certified paper.
Please note: discount codes are not valid with this item.
Text reads:
Appearing from untidy garden corners after dark, the curious hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus scampers around gardens looking for unsuspecting beetles and worms. This prickly little ball is undoubtably one of Britain's favourite garden visitors.
Limited number of prints available to purchase now!
Nick Baker has kindly signed 100 copies of our A4 privet hawk moth print, to help raise awareness of the decline of this species. £12.50 from the sale of each print will be donated to Butterfly Conservation to help fund their vital work to conserve butterflies and moths.
Each print features a beautiful hand drawn image of a privet hawk moth, and is presented on textured paper, giving the image a sense of depth and realism. Available in A4 only.
Designed and made in England.
Prints are unframed and printed on FSC certified paper.
Please note: discount codes are not valid with this item.
Text reads:
The privet hawk moth Sphinx ligustrielusively tucks itself away by day in gardens and woodlands, patiently waiting for the darkness of the night. Elegantly floating amongst privet, lilac & ash, this striking moth graces our gardens for only two months each year.
Limited number of prints available to purchase now!
Dr Amir Khan has kindly signed 100 copies of our giraffe print, to help raise awareness of the dangers facing this species. £12.50 from the sale of each print will be donated to the Royal Zoological Society Scotland to help fund its work to promote awareness and conservation of rare and endangered animals.
Each print features a beautiful hand drawn image of a giraffe, and is presented on textured paper, giving the image a sense of depth and realism. Available in A4 only.
Designed and made in England.
Prints are unframed and printed on FSC certified paper.
Please note: discount codes are not valid with this item.
Text reads:
The proud giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis strides through the vast African savanna browsing leaves and buds from tall treetops. Its long slender neck provides a perfect lookout for hunters and predators, and its unique spotted coat, a camouflage against the barren landscape.
Limited number of prints available to purchase now!
Samuel West has kindly signed 100 copies of our lesser spotted woodpecker print, to help raise awareness of the decline of this species. £12.50 from the sale of each print will be donated to the British Trust for Ornithology to help fund its work in bird conservation.
Each print features a beautiful hand drawn image of a lesser spotted woodpecker, and is presented on textured paper, giving the image a sense of depth and realism. Available in A4 only.
Designed and made in England.
Prints are unframed and printed on FSC certified paper.
Please note: discount codes are not valid with this item.
Text reads:
High up in the treetops, the lesser spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos minor quietly creeps along branches in search of insects. Distant drumming and a quick flash of black and white wings, and the tiny woodpecker disappears once again.
Limited number of prints available to purchase now!
Lorraine Kelly has kindly signed 100 copies of our new rockhopper penguin print, to help raise awareness of the decline of this species. £12.50 from the sale of each print will be donated to the Royal Zoological Society Scotland to help fund its work to promote awareness and conservation of rare and endangered animals.
Each print features a beautiful hand drawn image of a rockhopper penguin, and is presented on textured paper, giving the image a sense of depth and realism. Available in A4 only.
Designed and made in England.
Prints are unframed and printed on FSC certified paper.
Please note: discount codes are not valid with this item.
Text reads:
Bounding across the harsh and rocky shorelines of the South Atlantic Ocean islands, the Northern Rockhopper Penguin Eudyptes moseleyi may be small but he doesn’t lack courage. Braying into the frosty sky they tussle on the rocks. Parading impressive spiked golden crests, these iconic punk rock Penguins are as fiercely loyal as they are striking.
Limited number of prints available to purchase now!
Hannah Stitfall has kindly signed 100 copies of our new grey seal print, to help raise awareness of the decline of this species. £12.50 from the sale of each print will be donated to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary to help fund its work to rescue and provide expert care for sick, injured, or distressed seals and other marine animals.
Each print features a beautiful hand drawn coloured image of a grey seal, and is presented on textured paper, giving the image a sense of depth and realism. Available in A4 only.
Designed and made in England.
Prints are unframed and printed on FSC certified paper.
Please note: discount codes are not valid with this item.
Text reads:
The curious face of the grey seal Halichoerus grypus, bobs above the water’s surface, before disappearing below the waves to fish. With a sloping ‘roman nose’ and unique pattern of spots, the grey seal returns to land to rest and give birth to its white, fluffy pup.
Limited number of prints available to purchase now!
Adam Henson has kindly signed 100 copies of our barn owl print, to help raise awareness of the decline of this species. £12.50 from the sale of each print will be donated to the Hawk & Owl Trust to help fund its work to conserve owls and birds of prey in the wild.
Each print features a beautiful hand drawn image of a barn owl, and is presented on textured paper, giving the image a sense of depth and realism. Available in A4 only.
Designed and made in England.
Prints are unframed and printed on FSC certified paper.
Please note: discount codes are not valid with this item.
Text reads:
The graceful barn owl Tyto alba silently floats across open fields hunting for voles and mice in the rough grassland. Its ghostly silhouette hovers with skill and ease, before disappearing amongst the grass to claim its prey.
Limited number of prints available to purchase now!
JB Gill has kindly signed 100 copies of our arctic fox print, to help raise awareness of the dangers facing this species, particularly from the fur trade. £12.50 from the sale of each print will be donated to the Royal Zoological Society Scotland to help fund its work to promote awareness and conservation of rare and endangered animals.
Each print features a beautiful hand drawn image of an arctic fox, and is presented on textured paper, giving the image a sense of depth and realism. Available in A4 only.
Designed and made in England.
Prints are unframed and printed on FSC certified paper.
Please note: discount codes are not valid with this item.
Text reads:
The artful arctic fox Vulpes lagopus relentlessly patrols the tundras snow and ice in search of lemmings and birds. Its furry soles, thick white coat and stunted ears protect it from the chill, but danger is never far away as the hunters draw near.
Limited number of prints available to purchase now!
Jimmy Doherty has kindly signed 100 copies of our otter print, to help raise awareness of the decline of this species. £12.50 from the sale of each print will be donated to the International Otter Survival Fund to help fund their work to conserve and protect otters.
Each print features a beautiful hand drawn image of an otter, and is presented on textured paper, giving the image a sense of depth and realism. Available in A4 only.
Designed and made in England.
Prints are unframed and printed on FSC certified paper.
Please note: discount codes are not valid with this item.
Text reads:
The playful Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra, swims unnoticed along rivers and coastlines, hunting for fish, frogs and small mammals. With a whistle and a twitter, and a twitch of sensitive whiskers, the otter is master of its aquatic habitat. A true ambassador of a healthy environment.
Limited number of prints available to purchase now!
Chris Packham has kindly signed 100 copies of our A4 tiger print, to help raise awareness of the decline of this species. £12.50 from the sale of each print will be donated to The Wildheart Trust, to help fund conservation programmes for tigers in India, lemurs in Madagascar and native species here in the UK.
Each print features a beautiful hand drawn coloured image of a tiger, and is presented on textured paper, giving the image a sense of depth and realism. Available in A4 only.
Designed and made in England.
Prints are unframed and printed on FSC certified paper.
Please note: discount codes are not valid with this item.
Text reads:
Black flames flickering over burnished gold blend with the shadows of the jungle as the tiger, Panthera Tigris, slinks silently and unseen through the trees. With its powerful muscles and superb night vision, this apex predator is truly the Lord of the Forest.
Limited number of prints available to purchase now!
Megan McCubbin has kindly signed 100 copies of our new A4 beaver print, to help raise awareness of the decline of this species. £12.50 from the sale of each print will be donated to the Beaver Trust to help with their work to welcome beavers back into Britain.
Each print features a beautiful hand drawn image of a beaver, and is presented on textured paper, giving the image a sense of depth and realism. Available in A4 only.
Designed and made in England.
Prints are unframed and printed on FSC certified paper.
Please note: discount codes are not valid with this item.
Text reads:
The robust and stocky Eurasian beaver Castor fiber, gnaws down willow and aspen trees to create a lodge for its small family. A unique large rodent, with a flat paddle-like tail and webbed feet, the beaver is a masterful engineer of its freshwater habitat.
Limited number of prints available to purchase now!
Peter Egan has kindly signed 100 copies of our new humpback whale print, to help raise awareness of the dangers facing this species. £12.50 from the sale of each print will be donated to Humane Society International to help fund their animal protection campaigns to protect wildlife. Our whale design has been created for our new vegan and kids ranges, which are due to be launched at the end of the year.
Each print features a beautiful coloured hand drawn image of a humpback whale, and is presented on textured paper, giving the image a sense of depth and realism. Available in A4 only.
Designed and made in England.
Prints are unframed and printed on FSC certified paper.
Please note: discount codes are not valid with this item.
Text reads:
Gliding through the seas, the intelligent humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae, feeds on plankton and small fish. With a dark back, light belly and small hump on its back, the magical cries of this impressive mammal can be heard for miles under the deep, dark, ocean.
Limited number of prints available to purchase now!
Kate Humble has kindly signed 100 copies of our curlew print, to help raise awareness of the decline of this species. £12.50 from the sale of each print will be donated to the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust to help fund its work to protects wetland and their wildlife.
Each print features a beautiful hand drawn image of a curlew, and is presented on textured paper, giving the image a sense of depth and realism. Available in A4 only.
Designed and made in England.
Prints are unframed and printed on FSC certified paper.
Please note: discount codes are not valid with this item.
Text reads:
With long legs and slender bill, the curlew Numenius arquata wades majestically through mudflats and marshes. The evocative calls of this scarce and unusual bird can be heard across moorlands, uplands and coastlines.
Limited number of prints available to purchase now!
Alan Titchmarsh has kindly signed 100 copies of our red squirrel print, to help raise awareness of the decline of this species. £12.50 from the sale of each print will be donated to the Red Squirrel Survival Trust to help fund its work to conserve and protect red squirrels in the UK.
Each print features a beautiful hand drawn image of a red squirrel, and is presented on textured paper, giving the image a sense of depth and realism. Available in A4 only.
Designed and made in England.
Prints are unframed and printed on FSC certified paper.
Please note: discount codes are not valid with this item.
Text reads:
With his tufted ears and bushy tail, the red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris leaps between pine trees in search of cones and seeds. His russet coat & friendly face make this elusive creature a delight to see.
Limited number of prints available to purchase now!
Lucy Lapwing has kindly signed 100 copies of our bee print, to help raise awareness of the decline of this species. £12.50 from the sale of each print will be donated to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust to help fund its work to increase the number and distribution of bumblebees in the UK.
Each print features a beautiful hand drawn image of a buff-tailed bumblebee, and is presented on textured paper, giving the image a sense of depth and realism. Available in A4 only.
Designed and made in England.
Prints are unframed and printed on FSC certified paper.
Please note: discount codes are not valid with this item.
Text reads:
The charismatic buff-tailed bumblebee Bombus terrestris playfully dances fromflower to flower collecting pollen andnectar to store in the nest. This diligent insect unknowingly pollinates our cropsand wildflowers as she busily works to serve the queen bee and her offspring.
Humboldt penguins are classed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN list but are listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ in Peru. There has been a huge overall drop in numbers of the past 100 years, where Humboldts originally were estimated to be in numbers of almost one million and have since dropped to only 30,000 individuals.
One of our new designs is the lesser spotted woodpecker Dendrocopos minor. I'm sure some of you are not very familiar with this bird and that is one the main reasons we have chosen it for our new designs. To raise awareness and funds for it's much needed conservation.
Limited number of prints available to purchase now!
Gordon Buchanan has kindly signed 100 copies of our new A4 pangolin print, to help raise awareness of the dangers facing this species. Did you know, the pangolin is the most trafficked mammal in the world?
Each print features a beautiful hand drawn image of a pangolin, and is presented on textured paper, giving the image a sense of depth and realism. Available in A4 only.
Designed and made in England.
Prints are unframed and printed on FSC certified paper.
Please note: discount codes are not valid with this item.
Text reads: