DUCKS ARE QUACK OFF THE MARK ON THIS HOLIDAY

Most people think of a cottage in the country as having roses around the door - ours had ducks.

Not china ones, but loud, flapping, feathered ones.

And our chalet- bungalow, Fen View, was in the heart of rural Norfolk - but not exactly in the countryside.

We were on the banks of the River Yare at Brundall, Norfolk.

And our 'holiday cottage' had just been built and equipped in style by Fencraft, one of the neighbouring boatyards.

The ducks understood visitors, of course.

We fed them at nine one morning and they were waiting on the little lawn at five to nine next day.

The same at lunch and tea-time. Clever ducks - not a digital watch in sight.

The huge flocks of geese were more remote.

Exactly 15 minutes before dark they flew overhead, honking, in great V-formations of up to 100 birds.

They circled, lowered great webbed feet and glided onto hidden reaches of Surlingham Broad, which was opposite us.

At daybreak a clamour of honking announced take-off time and the formations headed east.

Except one morning when all was deathly quiet.

I peeped through the curtains of the veranda doors to discover a thick layer of mist-like cotton wool-like mist over the mirror- smooth river.

Later, the sun broke through - and the noisy mass take-off began.

Short drives in the countryside reminded us that Norfolk is not all flat. Windmills, woods, cornfields, unspoilt villages and little by-ways all offered enticing walks.

The Broadland Conservation Centre at Ranworth has a fascinating nature trail through the swampy wooded fen - it's real Jurassic Park- like territory.

Lunch in the Shoulder Of Mutton at Strumpshaw was an inexpensive delight, and produced the best skate and chips I have eaten in years.

Dinner in The Huntsman at Lingwood was an equally satisfying experience. Most of the time we self-catered in the well- equipped kitchen which included a full-size cooker and microwave, or enjoyed a barbecue by the river.

Shopping was easy. The local village store had everything and Roys of Wroxham - which styles itself "The biggest village store in the world" - was a short drive across country.

Wroxham is the capital' of Broadland which, with its boats, waterfront and amusements has a resort atmosphere. Norwich, barely nine miles away, offered big city shopping and has a famous covered market.

The superb new shopping mall has been built with lots of natural daylight under Castle Hill.

One of the delights of living by the river is watching other folk messing about in boats - and doing the same ourselves.

The little rowing dinghy at our private garden jetty was perfect for pottering about and crossing to Coldham Hall, the pub opposite.

A motor launch was available from the boatyard for longer cruises on the Broads - now a National Park.

Or we could stay at home in peaceful surroundings and, hopefully, fish for our supper at the end of the garden.

DAVID KERR

HOW TO GET THERE

Fen view through Hoseasons Country Cottages (01502 501515) sleeps four in two bedrooms (one double and two single beds, plus a cot if required).

It costs pounds 281 per week (April) rising to pounds 525 (August). The lodge is fully equipped and linen (duvets) and towels are included. There is electric heating (50p meter), colour TV/video/ radio, washing machine, microwave and hairdryer.

A rowing dinghy is included. Launch hire is from pounds 9 per hour or pounds 115 per week, including fuel.

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