The reserve consists mainly of reedbeds, marshland, lagoons and sandy beach. There are several bird observation hides and nature trails.
The reserve has breeding birds typical of its habitats, such as Avocet, gulls, and terns on the more open areas, and Bearded Tits, Marsh Harriers and Bitternss in the reedbeds.
More common reedbed birds such as Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler also occur. Little Egret has become a frequent sighting in recent years.
Wintering birds include many ducks, and there is a Hen Harrier roost.
It is at migration periods in spring and autumn that Titchwell comes into its own. Its location on the north Norfolk coast beens that it receives many migrating birds at those times.
The reserve therefore has an impressive list of rarities, and it is sometimes nick-named Twitchwell (see birdwatching).