A long weekend of wildlife and celebration for all begins tomorrow [Thursday 20 September] as the North Norfolk Local Group of Norfolk Wildlife Trust reaches an impressive milestone.
For the last 40 years, naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts on the North Norfolk coast have met informally every month to learn about wildlife from guest speakers, discover wildlife on walks and visits to green spaces, and to fundraise for Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
To mark the anniversary, events for all – including non-members – will take place across the long weekend at Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s
Cley Marshes visitor centre, on the A149 coast road.
On Thursday evening from 6.30pm, well-known wildlife author, Mark Cocker, and acclaimed Norfolk photographer Chris Knights will give presentations. There will also be an exhibition of memorabilia reflecting the history of wildlife conservation in North Norfolk. Wine and nibbles are included, booking is essential on 01263 740008.
Visit the Cley and Salthouse Marshes nature reserve for free on Friday 21 September. Five hides at Cley provide bird watching of resident wildfowl, migrating waders and unusual vagrants. The visitor centre is always free to visit and includes a gift shop and café.
Explore Cley and Blakeney villages and the wild coastline on Saturday 22 September with a self-guided heritage trail. Correct entries will be in with a chance of winning a family membership to Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
On Sunday 23 September join David Lincoln and Norfolk Wildlife Trust staff for a bird box making mission! We have been challenged to make 108 bird boxes for a local County Wildlife Site. We will provide all the materials and expertise – this event is free of charge to join in.
Head of Development, Nik Khandpur said: “These events are open to all, including non-members of Norfolk Wildlife Trust and have been generously supported by Tesco Bags of Help. We are extremely lucky and grateful to have eight local members groups, which are closely involved in wildlife issues in their area. Groups meet informally throughout the year for talks, walks and social occasions. They provide another opportunity for everyone to be involved with Norfolk’s wildlife and conservation, from learning more about our amazing natural heritage to becoming actively engaged in conservation work. They also raise crucial funds for NWT’s work to save wildlife. We hope many people join us and the North Norfolk Local Group this weekend to celebrate their anniversary and to discover the area’s rich wildlife heritage for themselves.”
Andy Clarke, Chairman of the North Norfolk Local Group said: “It is wonderful to be able to celebrate 40 years of talks, walks and local activities, which have raised more than £25,000 in support of wildlife conservation in North Norfolk.”
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North Norfolk Local Group offers a varied programme of outdoor events in the summer, held at interesting local venues each led by a knowledgeable guide. The winter sees them move indoors with illustrated talks followed by refreshments at Cley Village Hall, which are sponsored by local businesses and usually held the third Thursday of the month at 7.30pm. The committee is a mixture of experts – with knowledge gained from careers in the natural world – and enthusiasts, who like nothing more than a brisk walk along the coast. If you are interested in joining the group please contact Chairman, Andy Clarke on 01263 821259.