English: Gated footbridge The footbridge carries the path over a drain on the edge of a marsh pasture. The gate prevents livestock from straying further afield. The reeds seen in the background grow on the northeastern edge of Horsey Mere. Horsey Mere is the only broad in Norfolk surrounded by a high level bank for which reason it is called a mere, rather than a broad. The term 'mere' originates from an old Dutch word meaning an artificial lake. The mere is part of the Broads national park area, and the Horsey Estate is part of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Horsey Estate was purchased by the National Trust from the Buxton family in 1948. The Buxton family still manage the estate in partnership with the National Trust and it is thanks to the fact that nature conservation has always been a priority for the Buxtons that Horsey remains an important place for wildlife. In winter Horsey Mere is an internationally important wildfowl refuge and home to thousands of ducks including teal, wigeon and pochard.