Aerial
view of Horsey Mere |
Horsey Mere
can be found on the eastern edge of the Norfolk Broads.
Covering an area of nearly 2000 acres, the landscape includes sand
dunes along the coastal edge through maritime fen, grazing marsh
and arable farmland, travelling along to the open water of the mere
itself and its surrounding reedbeds.
Horsey has both national and international significance.
The land is resident to many species of over-wintering birds as
well as a small colony of natterjack toads.
Dragonflies
and butterflies, such as the swallowtail.l can be seen at the right
times of the year.
Horsey Mere is the only Norfolk broad to be called a mere. This
is because it is the only one to be surrounded by a high level bank.
The name is derived from the old Dutch word, mere, meaning an artificial
lake.
A prominent feature of the mere is the Horsey Windpump. Pumps were
constructed at appropriate places on the surrounding wall, along
with a series of drainage ditches leading to them, to drain the
land around.
As a result the land levels dropped, so today the mere is on a higher
level than its surroundings. This pumping process is essential in
maintaining the water level in the mere and providing drainage to
the surrounding farmland.
I>>>
|
