California Gap

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Norfolk Great Yarmouth

England

California Gap

Scratby village sign, repainted Scratby and California share a sign featuring a lifebelt, the Royal Albert lifeboat, an oar and some ruins with a glazed window, probably representing Scratby church which was demolished in 1548. On the right is what I believe to be a lifeboat shed and perhaps a beacon. — Scratby village sign, repainted Credit: Jane Rackham

California Gap is a coastal marsh located in Norfolk, England. Situated on the eastern coast, it is a part of the larger Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The marsh is characterized by its vast expanse of saltmarshes and saltings, which provide a unique habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The California Gap marsh is situated at the mouth of the River Glaven and is influenced by the tides of the North Sea. This tidal influence creates a dynamic environment, with the marshes being periodically covered and exposed by the changing tides. The marshes are composed of a mixture of muddy and sandy sediments, which are rich in nutrients and support a variety of plant species.

The plants found in California Gap marsh include sea lavender, sea purslane, and various species of grasses and reeds. These plants not only stabilize the marshland but also provide important feeding and nesting grounds for numerous bird species. The marshes are particularly known for attracting migratory birds such as curlews, redshanks, and avocets.

In addition to its ecological importance, California Gap marsh is also a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The area offers picturesque views of the marshland, the North Sea, and the surrounding coastal landscape. Visitors can explore the marshes through a network of walking trails, which provide an opportunity to observe the diverse wildlife and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

Overall, California Gap marsh in Norfolk is a significant coastal habitat that supports a wide range of plant and animal species. Its dynamic and ever-changing environment, along with its scenic appeal, make it a valuable natural asset within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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California Gap Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.671429/1.7247569 or Grid Reference TG5114. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Scratby village sign, repainted

Scratby and California share a sign featuring a lifebelt, the Royal Albert lifeboat, an oar and some ruins with a glazed window, probably representing Scratby church which was demolished in 1548. On the right is what I believe to be a lifeboat shed and perhaps a beacon.

Jane Rackham

California bungalows

Bungalows in California, from California Road.

Oscar Taylor

Beach Scratby Nr Great Yarmouth Norfolk

Beach at Scratby Nr Great Yarmouth.

Janet Richardson

The California Tavern California Nr Great Yarmouth

The California Tavern, California Cliffs, Great Yarmouth.

Janet Richardson

Caravan Site, California, Norfolk

Richard Slessor

Sunrise

Taken on the beach early one April morning.

Chris Daniel

The Tower Caravan Park - Caister Water Tower

The Tower Caravan Park off Covent Garden Road, and Caister’s unmistakable Water Tower in the background.

Richard Robinson

Dunes & Beach - Caister

Lower pathway beside the dunes and beach at the northern end of Caister.

Richard Robinson

Beach at northern end of Caister

A section of beach further along from the north end of Caister, this section is a mixture of sand and pebbles.

Richard Robinson

Station Road going in the direction of California

Station Road, and to the right is Flint Cottage. At the extent to which the road can be seen in the picture, but out of view, is the B1159 and crossroad. The road straight over at the crossroad leads to California.

Richard Robinson

Caister Water Tower

Caister Water Tower photographed from Covent Garden Road is nowadays a feature to this much built up housing estate. This particular spot between the bungalows creates a nice short vista to the water tower.

Richard Robinson

Dunes & Beach - Caister

Looking down from the dunes, and along the beach. The lower footpath is a tarmacked surface, which is ideal for wheelchairs and the easy stroll. To the right, and out of view from the position where I took the photo, is a small car-park, accessed from the end of Second Avenue.

Richard Robinson

Caister Beach

View of Caister beach from the lower footpath. The windfarm on Scroby Sands in the North Sea spanning the photo’s horizon is at a distance of 2.5 kilometres from the coast. ‘Fact File’ (Each turbine tower is 60m high, weighs approximately 200 tonnes and has 40m long blades… the foundations are 4m diameter steel cylinders…) the source of information was taken from a Powergen hoarding. The photo’s vertical centre line taken from a compass is 114 degrees ESE of magnetic North.

Richard Robinson

Upper Footpath - North of Caister

Upper footpath running alongside the dunes and beach. This section of the beach lies roughly between Caister and California.

Richard Robinson

Scratby Road and Thoroughfare Lane junction

The car is emerging onto Scratby Road from Thoroughfare Lane. Scratby Hall is behind the clump of trees to the right of the picture; in the years 1948-1986 it was a school for boys, named Duncan Hall School – See Link

Richard Robinson

Beach Road - Scratby

A well looked after and scenic area of Beach Road. Following this road all the way to the coast and then bearing right will take you to California.

Richard Robinson

B1159 Scratby Road & Beach Road Junction

B1159 Scratby Road and Beach Road junction, not an easy junction to get out of, Scratby Road is quite a busy road this time of the year.

Richard Robinson

Long-distance view to Scroby Sands wind farm (1)

Scroby Sands wind farm is Great Britain's second offshore wind farm (completed in December 2004). It is located in the North Sea, 2.5 km off the coast of Great Yarmouth. The farm was commissioned by Powergen Renewables Offshore, a division of one of the UK's major electricity producing companies, and it is expected to produce up to a maximum of 60 megawatts of power (sufficient for supplying 41000 homes). The farm has 30 wind turbines, each with three 40 metre blades rotating around a centre-point some 60 metres above the mean sea level on hollow 4.5 metre diameter steel masts, in from 13 to 20 metres depth of water. The masts are piled up to 30 metres into the sea bed, to provide stability on a substrate of shifting sands. For more detailed information see Link

Evelyn Simak

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California Gap is located at Grid Ref: TG5114 (Lat: 52.671429, Lng: 1.7247569)

Administrative County: Norfolk

District: Great Yarmouth

Police Authority: Norfolk