Stiffkey's Natural Paradise: Sea Lavender, Birdwatching & Artist Insights
- Sophia Williams
- Sep 2
- 3 min read
Your complete FAQ guide to Norfolk's spectacular saltmarshes and wildlife
Standing in Stiffkey's Saltmarshes during sea-lavender season, something extraordinary happens to your vision. You focus on one delicate purple stem swaying in the coastal breeze, whilst everything else - the endless marsh stretching towards Blakeney, the wheeling marsh harriers, the vast Norfolk sky - becomes a beautiful blur.
What makes Stiffkey special for artists?
Between Wells-next-the-Sea and Blakeney lies this extraordinary village (pronounced "Stiff-key" by locals) where ancient saltmarshes transform each summer. The landscape changes focus depending on where you stand. What catches your eye shifts. How the light falls transforms everything. One moment you're absorbed by intricate samphire patterns underfoot. The next, you're lost in the drama of storm clouds building over the North Sea.
When is the best time to see sea lavender at Stiffkey?
From late June through late August, sea lavender carpets the marsh in purple-pink blooms. Early morning, 6-8am or early evening, 5-7pm offer the most spectacular light. The "golden hour" makes the purple blooms absolutely glow against the Norfolk sky.
How do I paint what my eye actually sees?
Living in Stiffkey, I've learnt that the most honest way to capture this place isn't to paint everything in sharp detail. I paint how your eye naturally moves through the scene.
When I created my Stiffkey saltmarsh painting, I focused on that moment when the eye settles on sea lavender in full bloom. Everything else becomes part of the atmosphere. The distant coastline, the surrounding marsh, the endless sky - none of these compete for attention.
This approach creates something familiar. It mirrors our natural way of seeing. When you look at the finished piece, your brain recognises this pattern of focus and blur.
What's the best time for birdwatching at Stiffkey?
The birdwatching season is upon us! Autumn migration (September-November) brings incredible opportunities to spot rarities. Marsh harriers are year-round residents, gliding gracefully overhead. During migration, you might see curlews, redshanks, various warbler species, and even occasional bitterns from nearby Stiffkey Fen.
Early morning visits from dawn until 9am offer the best birdwatching opportunities when the marshes are quieter and birds are most active.
Where exactly is Stiffkey and how do I get there?
Stiffkey sits on the A149 Norfolk Coast Road, exactly 4 miles from Wells-next-the-Sea and 4 miles from Blakeney. The national trust car park at the bottom of the Green Way is the perfect spot to access the marsh from.
From Norwich: 60 minutes via A148 then A149 From London: 3-4 hours via A11 then A148
What should I bring for a Stiffkey visit?
Essential kit:
Comfortable walking boots (saltmarsh terrain can be uneven) or Crocs and barefeet in the summer. I often walk through the channels in the mud when the tide is low.
Binoculars for birdwatching
Camera or phone for those Instagram-worthy moments
Sun protection (little shade on the marshes)
Waterproof jacket (Norfolk weather changes quickly)
Hat
Photography tip: The reflection pools after high tide create stunning mirror effects with the sea lavender.
What wildlife will I see at Stiffkey?
Birds: Marsh harriers, curlews, redshanks, skylarks, and seasonal migrants Plants: Sea lavender, samphire (sea asparagus), sea asters, glasswort Marine life: Crabs, lugworms, and various shellfish in tidal pools Seals: Occasionally visible from the marshes, more common at nearby Blakeney Point
Upcoming artistic inspiration: I'm currently working on a new series focusing on migratory birds that visit these marshes. These works will likely inspire a travel poster celebrating Stiffkey's incredible wildlife diversity.
How do I get the most from my Stiffkey experience?
Start at the Red Lion for local information and refreshments. Follow the coastal footpath towards Morston or head inland towards Stiffkey Woods for varied perspectives.
Time your visit with the tides - two hours either side of high tide offers the best wildlife viewing and most dramatic landscape scenes.
Local secret: The series of five bridges over Stiffkey Creek provides elevated views across the entire saltmarsh system - perfect for understanding the landscape's scale. Access them via Hollow Lane from the village centre.
Want to know more about village life in this special place? Read my complete guide to Stiffkey village life including local walks, the famous chalk stream, and hidden gems.
Keywords: #StiffkeyNorfolk #NorfolkBirdwatching #SeaLavender #SaltmarshArt #NorfolkWildlife #BritishCoastalArt #WellsNextTheSea #MigratoryBirds #NorfolkMarshes