Cley

Cley-next-the-Sea lies on the North Norfolk Coast between Blakeney and Salthouse. In the 13th century Cley was ranked as England's 4th most important port and shipped large quantities of wool to the Low Countries. In the 17th century, however, the village was permanently cut off from the sea when the land in front of it was reclaimed and an embankment was built. Today the village is very prone to tidal surges that breach the embankment.

My own poem Ornithologist is set on the marshes at Cley - close to where the new Norfolk Wildlife Trust visitor's centre is located. The centre affords a wonderful panoramic view of the reedbeds and is well worth a visit. Where else can you watch avocet, widgeon and little egrets while sipping a latte?
 

Over the roof of the hide the seed plumes dance.
The hinged flap is up and he focuses
On the pool under the reed expanse.

Waders duck and scurry leaving prints
On the shining mud. His mind turns to the time
When leaning here he pointed out the red shank

Or the speck of the warbler, and felt fortunate.
Even the cold touch of her ring coming back
From the storm beach under the swooping terns

Could not break that. Now the sea has reshaped
The beach - taken the stones lower
And the hide, empty of her scent, echoes

With the perfect logic of her situation.
"I understand, believe me, I understand."
He shifts the binoculars to his other hand.

Links:

Cley Village Website

Cley Marshes

Cley Windmill