Fakenham Area Conservation Team

Events by this local group

Information on this local group

From the Leader and Chairman of F.A.C.T

My name is Geoff Fletcher and I am the founder and Chairman of the Fakenham Area Conservation Trust (F.A.C.T.) which started in 1990 to improve local wildlife habitats and provide safe access for the public to enjoy walking and wildlife observation. F.A.C.T. and NWT have a long association and we run joint indoor meetings at Hempton Memorial Hall. As F.A.C.T. organiser I decide on the sites we are going to work on and what type of work is appropriate. I am also responsible for training and overseeing the work done by volunteers and their safety on task. It has been my roll to seek advice and raise funds for all our tools and equipment by negotiations with our Local Authorities and business sponsors.

More recently I helped bring together an informal group called ‘Open Spaces’ which includes County, District and Town Councils, The Wensum Valley Trust, The Fakenham Area Partnership, local businesses and land owners. The aims of this amalgamation are compatible with those of F.A.C.T. I represent F.A.C.T. on the Fakenham Area Partnership.

Our Local Area

The Wensum Valley is an SSSI and is of international importance for habitat types, for wildlife and as a migration route for many of our bird species such as marsh harrier and osprey. Within a mile west there is the Hawk and Owl Trusts Sculthorpe Moor Community Nature Reserve of which F.A.C.T. was a major force in its creation. To the North of Fakenham lies Pensthorpe, now owned by the Jordan family and further afield the NWT reserves at Foxley Wood, Thursford Wood and Syderstone Common. FACT work on the Aldiss Community Park, Great Eastern Railway Reserve, Hempton Common, The Shereford Track, the riverside pathways and others. We occasionally work further afield, e.g.; Holt Hall, Sculthorpe Church conservation area and others.

The North Norfolk Coast is a magnet for wildlife. Rare spring and autumn migrants pass through regularly and thousands of wildfowl will be found in autumn and winter. It is without comparison in this country.
 

About the Group

With help from NWT and the Wensum Valley Trust, F.A.C.T. was created to help wildlife in the area and to assist with work on local NWT reserves. In order for F.A.C.T. to have an independent approach to its funding from Local Authorities and other local sponsors, it was agreed to keep the practical work within a ‘local community group’ with its own constitution. This group became the Fakenham Area Conservation Trust. Since its creation F.A.C.T. has become a highly regarded and well respected group making possible a wide range of conservation projects for the benefit of wildlife and safe public access.

A varied range of indoor meetings are based at Hempton Memorial Hall with illustrated talks on varied aspects of wildlife by experienced guest speakers. Both NWT and F.A.C.T. members are welcome. Meetings start at  7.30pm. There is a small entrance fee and refreshment cost, see current events programmes. There is adequate parking alongside the hall.

A programme is available by contacting any of the people listed below. We are pleased to talk to anyone with ideas about fund raising events (to cover ever spiralling costs of tools and tool maintenance) and for events aimed at increasing membership. All participants are insured by our affiliation to B.T.C.V. We provide the tools for the job and training where needed and supervision to ensure the safety of all members and the public.

Current work includes, clearing paths through neglected habitats, creating new habitats, pond maintenance and essential work as part of agreed habitat management plans. The work is vital and the results extremely rewarding.

We currently run fortnightly tasks on Sundays, starting at 9am and a mid-week task on Wednesday mornings weekly. The mid-week meetings particularly suit retired and unemployed members and begin at 9am. An essential part of all outdoor meetings is the chance to make new friends with similar interests and we have tea/coffee breaks. Such breaks are vital, not just for refreshment, but are an opportunity to discuss work in progress.

Membership of F.A.C.T. and the opportunity for you to make a difference to your local environment is absolutely free. There are many levels of involvement from working in the field, helping with our social events, surveying, fund raising or just tea making. Why not give it a try for a few hours to start with. You will find volunteers extremely friendly with an innate willingness to care for each other whilst working together. Training is given on site when using any of our tools.

Contact Us

Geoff Fletcher 01328 862164 or email geoff.fletcher@live.co.uk
Secretary Robin Parker: 01328 864399 or email robinparker2@btinternet.com
Email: fakenham@norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk