Let Norfolk Wildlife Trust ensure all the family have a dose of nature this summer holiday, says Reserves Officer Robert Morgan.
It can be difficult during the summer holidays, keeping children entertained, their minds active and their bodies exercised; and often quite expensive too. Then of course there is the guilt, everyone else seems to be doing so much more with, and for, their children. When an opportunity does arrive to spend some free time with the kids, prising them out of the bedroom and off the games console or social media can be a struggle.
Some of us, of an older generation, spent our childhood summer holidays outside, building camps, lifting rocks in streams, climbing trees and cycling everywhere. We’d leave the house shortly after an episode of the BBC’s sepia-hued Robinson Crusoe, returning for tea, and back out until dusk. We knew every inch of our patch. We knew where all the birds were nesting, where to catch lizards or great crested newts. The wheat was as high as our waist, the sky was blue and the long hot days just went on and on. It wasn’t always ‘Enid Blyton’s Famous Five’, but most of us, even those living in the peripheral circle of a great city, still managed to find and immerse ourselves in nature.
So, in our busy, modern lives, how can we ensure our children spend their summer feeling sunshine on their face, inhaling fresh air and experiencing the natural world?
Jimmy King
Norfolk Wildlife Trust could be the answer you are looking for - every summer we welcome thousands of visitors to our nature reserves. Our flagship sites at Ranworth Broad, Hickling Broad, Cley Marshes and Holme Dunes don’t just offer some of the wildest landscapes, but come complete with refreshments, facilities and activities at their respective Visitor Centres, making them particularly popular with families. And in recognition of just how important it is to inspire a love of wildlife in the younger generation, we offer kids under 16 free access to our sites so it won’t cost the earth either.
At Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserves, you will enjoy some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes; vast swaying reedbeds, wide-open beaches and beautiful wildlife-rich broads, all waiting to be discovered and explored with the help of our friendly staff and volunteers.
At NWT Ranworth and Hickling Broads you can even head out into the wild and watery world of the Norfolk Broads on guided boat trips. At Hickling you are invited to visit secret bird hides and viewing towers above tree-filled canopies and at Ranworth, you’ve got a great chance of seeing otters, kingfishers and ospreys as you slowly float through this iconic landscape.
As well as the prospect of a wild walk (or float) through some of Norfolk’s most wildlife-rich landscapes, there are events running across the county throughout the school holidays.
Each event is enjoyable for all ages, making them a wonderful way for families to explore the natural world together. Family events vary in location and theme, whether you are interested in bugs or beasts, land or sea, music or crafts, there is something for everyone.
Adam Cormack
Join us to search for, and learn how to identify, a wide array of weird and wonderful minibeasts. Book in for pond dipping to explore the underwater creatures that lie just beneath the surface or head to one of our rockpool rummaging sessions at West Runton to discover the sealife the tide leaves behind. Ever wondered what an owl eats for dinner? Poke amongst the bones and body bits found in owl pellets to satisfy your curiosity! At our fascinating fossils events, we invite you to join us in search for remains of some of the amazing beasts that were found here millions of years ago. Feeling arty? Head to one of our crafty creations workshops to see what you can make out of nature bits and bobs.
NWT’s experienced education officers deliver all of these sessions with the aim of informing children about the natural world through hands-on experience and encouraging a caring approach to Norfolk’s wildlife.
And if your trip awakens a curiosity or love for something new in nature, before you head home, pop into our Visitors Centre shops, which are stocked with a selection of wildlife-themed books for all ages to keep you inspired until your next visit!
There is so much for you to learn, see and do as a family with NWT, so why not pack a picnic and join us for a day of wildlife wonders in the most beautiful landscapes Norfolk has to offer this summer?
To find out more about our Visitor Centres and summer events programme visit www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/summer
NWT members get free access to all of our nature reserves, head to our website to find out more.