Broads boating company backs Norfolk’s wildlife

A veteran supporter of conservation in the Broads has become a corporate partner with Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT), currently celebrating its 90th anniversary.

Now in his nineties himself, Robert Richardson, founder chairman of Stalham-based Richardson’s Boating Holidays, has signed the company up as an Investor in Wildlife Corporate Partner and an Anniversary Champion in this special year for the Trust.

“I’ve spent my life on the Broads and to me it’s a natural paradise,” said Mr Richardson, who celebrated his own company’s 70th anniversary in 2014.

“As lovers of boating holidays quickly come to realise, the journey is every bit as important as the destination. And what better way to discover the Broads’ sometimes hidden landscapes and teeming wildlife than to take a slow cruise on the river?”

The Investor in Wildlife corporate partnership aims to demonstrate publicly a company’s commitment to its social and environmental responsibilities.  

At the same time, 24 Norfolk businesses have pledged support to NWT as Anniversary Champions – including Archant, Eastern Daily Press publisher and Mustard TV owner; Empresa; Swallowtail Print; Clapham & Collinge; UK Power Networks; Woodforde’s Norfolk Ales; and Herbert Woods.

They have pledged to help NWT spread the word about the importance of nature and engaging local communities in the future of their wildlife and wild places.

For example, the Eastern Daily Press has collaborated with NWT in the recent production of a 164-page souvenir publication, Wild & Wonderful Norfolk, to celebrate the 90th anniversary. It combines stunning imagery with top class writing by famous names like Mark Cocker and Simon Barnes and expert naturalists. On sale at £5.95, the Trust receives 50p for every copy sold.

NWT chief executive Brendan Joyce said: “Norfolk Wildlife Trust wants to secure the involvement of as many organisations as possible to help protect Norfolk’s wildlife and wild places. In our 90th anniversary year, we are delighted to welcome 93-year-old Mr Richardson as our newest corporate supporter and Richardson’s Boating Holidays as an Anniversary Champion.”

Mr Richardson added: "We are delighted to be involved in this scheme and to be an Anniversary Champion. Investing in wildlife shows our customers and staff that we care about Norfolk, and also helps the Trust in its work to protect the environment in which our customers and Team enjoy so much”

NWT cares for 40 nature reserves and other protected sites around the county including 10 kilometres of coastline, nine Norfolk broads, nine national nature reserves and five ancient woodlands.

To arrange a personal visit or to discuss the benefits of becoming an Investor in Wildlife and the work of the Trust, please contact Jane Ryan, Investors in Wildlife officer on 01603 625540.