The chalk-fed River Burn in North Norfolk flows through a low-lying catchment of farmland, wetlands and salt marshes.
Originating near the village of South Creake, it flows for about 12 km, passing through North Creake and Burnham Thorpe before widening slightly as it reaches two historic watermills – Union Mill and Lower Mill – at Burnham Overy.
From here, the Burn widens further, meandering into saltmarshes before reaching the sea.
Over centuries, the river’s course has been significantly modified, with many stretches straightened through human intervention. Various impoundments along its route have the potential to hinder fish movement and migration. Historically, the River Burn played a role in local trade, with Burnham Overy Staithe serving as a small port.
