NHER 28166 (Monument record) - Post-medieval duck decoy

May 1991. Northeast of Boathouse Creek
A traditional duck decoy, originally constructed with five pipes. The two to the north have been infilled; those to west and east hold water and are reed filled. The pipe to the south is water filled and retains its hoops, although these are no longer covered with netting. Originally built in 1818 and restored several times.The decoy appears well managed, with some new tree planting and coppicing. A bird hide is positioned on the east side. In the centre of the pond is a tree covered island.
Norfolk Ancient Monuments Management and Protection Form and historical notes in file.
H. Paterson (A&E), 20 May 1991.

August 2001. Norfolk NMP.
A five armed decoy pond set in square enclosure, overgrown but visible on aerial photographs from 1946 (S1) onwards. There is a length of bank (NHER 26631) within the enclosure that is unlikely to be contemporary with the construction of the decoy pond, and may be related to earlier land reclamation and drainage. Equally this may be a later feature designed to channel water into the pond.
M. Brennand (NMP), 9 August 2001.

May 2016. Watching Brief.
Monitoring of groundworks associated with restoration of duck decoy.
These works included the dredging of two of the decoy's five 'pipes' that radiate from its central pool and island. The originals cuts for the pipes were observed, along with in situ netting hoops. A revetment consisting of reused railway sleepers was also identified at the end of one of the pipes, although it is unclear whether this was part of the original structure. There is anecdotal evidence that limited restoration works were carried out in the 1930s, so it is possible that the revetment was added at this time.
No finds were recovered.
Information from report uploaded to OASIS. HER copy awaited.
P. Watkins (HES), 19 October 2025.