Taverham Mill Nature Reserve offers new canoe experience

Taverham Mill nature reserve is now offering a canoeing experience unlike others seen elsewhere in the city.  

A herd of six highland cattle also live in the reserve (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Harry Waye-Barker, the reserve and fishery manager, said: “We wanted visitors to be able to experience the reserve from a unique angle.  

“The Wensum is beautiful along this stretch at Taverham Mill and there is a great opportunity to see more wildlife.” 

Canoes come in 2 person and 3 person sizes (Image: Sonya Duncan)

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The wildlife that currently resides along that stretch of river includes herons, kingfishers, buzzards, kites as well as all manner of aquatic animals.  

Harry said: “Staying stealthy will aid visitors in viewing more of this beautiful wildlife. 

With the reserve only letting out one group at a time it increases the chance of spotting wildlife (Image: Sonya Duncan)

“The journey offers stunning scenery, views over the Wensum Valley and Taverham Mill Reserve and the opportunity to paddle in our weir pool.” 

The 100-acre site is managed by Anglian Water and popular with anglers. The ever-popular highland cows also graze at the nature reserve during the warmer months.

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Pre booking is essential as only one group goes out at a time (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Harry said: “We only send one group out at a time, so it is a lovely peaceful experience on the river.  

“We hope that this allows for a unique feel to the canoe trip. 

The reserve has been popular for years with it's walking trails (Image: Sonya Duncan)

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“Hires are 45 minutes, and this allows for plenty of time on the water.  

“Visitors have described this as an ideal length of time to explore without getting too tired from paddling against the current.” 

The experience is 45 minutes (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Groups are given all equipment to get out on the water (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Canoe trips will run daily between 10.30am and 3pm through to the end of October. 

The cost is £25 for a two-person canoe and £30 for a three-person canoe and bookings can be made via 01603 861014.

There is so much wildlife to spot along Wensum Valley (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Taverham Mill Nature Reserve has a well stocked cafe (Image: Sonya Duncan)

There is a stretch of river that customers will be allowed to go along (Image: Sonya Duncan)

There is a plethora of nature to spot along the waterway (Image: Sonya Duncan)