Visiting Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve is a beautiful, accessible nature reserve managed by the Hawk and Owl Trust. The reserve is open year-round and offers visitors the chance to enjoy peaceful walks, wildlife watching, accessible hides and a welcoming visitor centre.
Entry by Donation
Entry to Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve is free for Hawk and Owl Trust members.
For non-members aged 16 and over, entry is by donation. We suggest a donation of £10 per adult, which helps us care for the reserve and keep it open for visitors and wildlife.
Sculthorpe Moor is entirely self-funded and costs more than £600 per day to run. Every donation goes directly back into the reserve, helping to maintain the paths, hides, visitor facilities, staff support, conservation work and the wildlife habitats that make Sculthorpe so special.
We operate an entry-by-donation system rather than charging a fixed entrance fee. Introducing a formal admission charge would have significant financial implications, including VAT, meaning 20% would go to the government rather than directly supporting the reserve. For this reason, we believe the donation system is the best way to ensure visitor contributions go as far as possible in supporting Sculthorpe Moor.
Your donation helps us:
- care for wildlife and habitats across the reserve
- maintain paths, boardwalks, hides and visitor facilities
- support our staff and volunteers
- keep the reserve open for visitors to enjoy
- continue our conservation and education work
Every donation, large or small, helps protect and care for Sculthorpe Moor for wildlife, visitors and future generations.
Opening Hours
Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve is open throughout the year, except during adverse weather when the reserve may not be safe for visitors, and on a few key dates over the Christmas period.
The visitor centre is open daily from 9.30am to 4pm.
The car park barrier is open daily from 9.30am to 4pm. Visitors who enter the car park before 4pm are welcome to remain on the reserve until 8pm.
Controlled Access to the Car Park
To help manage visitor numbers and ensure fair access to parking, Sculthorpe Moor has an automated barrier system at the car park.
The barrier is open from 9.30am to 4pm each day, in line with the visitor centre opening hours. This helps manage the flow of visitors and ensures everyone has a fair opportunity to park and enjoy their visit.
Extended Access for Members
As a thank you for their valued support, Hawk and Owl Trust members can enjoy extended access to the car park and reserve outside regular opening hours.
Members with a valid access card can enter the reserve during the following times:
- Daily: 6am to 9.30am
- Daily: 4pm to 8pm
These extended hours allow members to enjoy Sculthorpe Moor during quieter times and experience the reserve’s wildlife and tranquillity outside normal visitor centre hours.
Members who would like an access card should contact our Membership Officer.
Email:
Website: hawkandowltrust.org/about-us-and-contact/contact-us
Telephone: 01328 850 598
When requesting a card, please provide your name, membership number and postcode.
Joint members will receive one card. Access cards can be collected from the Sculthorpe Visitor Centre after 1 November.
How to Find Us
By Car
Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve is located just outside Fakenham, off the A148 King’s Lynn Road. The reserve is clearly signposted, and a small track leads down to the visitor centre and car park.
The car park has ample parking, including disabled parking bays and two electric vehicle charging points.
By Bus
The X29 bus stops at the end of Turf Moor Road. From there, the reserve can be reached on foot by following the small track down to the Sculthorpe Moor visitor centre.
By Bicycle
Cyclists can access the reserve from the A148 King’s Lynn Road. Please note that this road does not have a cycle lane.
Accessibility
Sculthorpe Moor Community Nature Reserve is family-friendly and fully accessible.
Mobility scooters, wheelchairs, pushchairs and prams can access the reserve’s walkways, hides and visitor facilities. Baby changing facilities and disabled toilets are available at the visitor centre.
Assistance dogs are welcome at Sculthorpe Moor. Regrettably, other dogs are not permitted on the reserve, as the site is managed carefully for wildlife.
Visitor Facilities
Facilities at the Sculthorpe Moor Visitor Centre include:
- toilets
- baby changing facilities
- disabled toilets
- refreshments
- disabled parking
- electric vehicle charging points
- picnic benches
Visitors are welcome to enjoy a hot drink, a snack or a quiet moment at the picnic benches before or after exploring the reserve.
Thank you for supporting Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve.