The Incredible Wader Spectacle at RSPB Snettisham, Norfolk - Wild Isles

Norfolk is famous for its wildlife hotspots, but few experiences compare to the Red Knot wader spectacle at RSPB Snettisham.

Red knot in flight, Norfolk

Every late summer and autumn, during the spring tides (the biggest high tides of the month, usually above 7m), tens of thousands of Red Knot are pushed off the vast Snettisham mudflats by the rising water. As the tide comes in, up to 100,000 birds swirl and murmurate in unison — an unforgettable display as they evade peregrine falcons and other predators before finally settling on the lagoons’ islands.

It’s one of the UK’s greatest natural events, drawing birdwatchers and wildlife photographers from all over the world.

Slow shutter showing the movement of red knot

Filming the Snettisham Spectacle for BBC Wild Isles

I was lucky enough to be one of the few people permitted to film this breathtaking event from above. Using a drone under strict supervision from the RSPB and with full permission from Natural England, I captured the Snettisham wader spectacle for the BBC’s Wild Isles, narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

The sequence featured my footage of the Red Knot at Snettisham, alongside scenes I filmed at RSPB Minsmere showing reedbeds and red deer. The film aired on BBC One and later on BBC Two as part of Silverback Productions’ incredible series highlighting the best of British wildlife. Video below:

(Please note: drones are not permitted at Snettisham without special licenses, to protect the wildlife.)

Wild Isles - Snettisham spectacular - red knot - BBC

More to See at Snettisham

Beyond the wader spectacle, RSPB Snettisham is also renowned for its pink-footed geese roosts in winter. Thousands of geese rise together at dawn, heading to feed across the Norfolk countryside — another breathtaking sight worth seeing.

Red Knot on the island, Norfolk

Make It a Full Day of Norfolk Wildlife Photography

If you’re visiting Snettisham for the wader spectacle, why not make a full day of it? My wildlife photography hides at Billingford Lakes (near Dereham) are just 40 minutes away.

Spend your morning watching tens of thousands of Red Knot at RSPB Snettisham, then head to Billingford Wildlife Hides for close-up photography sessions.

At Billingford, we offer:

• A Woodland Hide for small birds and mammals

• A Kingfisher Hide (opening soon) for stunning action shots

• Photography workshops for beginners

• An on-site café and nature walks to relax between shoots

Book your hide session today via or email us to plan your visit. Workshops & Hides For a truly immersive experience, join one of our three-day guided Norfolk wildlife photography tours. Each tour includes:

• The Snettisham spring tide wader spectacle

• Opportunities to photograph seals, owls, otters, and kingfishers

• Expert tuition and guidance throughout

• Only small groups of 3-4 people Book today or email me for more details.
  

Kingfisher from the hide