Hoe Rough contains an interesting mix of grassland and wetter fen habitats.
Numerous notable plants occur including green-winged and early marsh orchid, as well as around 200 invertebrate species. Otter, water vole and white-clawed crayfish have been recorded in the River Whitewater (a tributary of the Wensum), which forms the northern boundary of the reserve.
Great Crested Newt
The UK’s largest and rarest newt, males in breeding condition develop a jagged crest along their backs, which, coupled with their orange- and black-spangled bellies and rough warty skin is quite a sight.