Hickling Broad January 2017 by Richard Osbourne

World Wetlands Day celebrates major public commitment to securing Norfolk’s finest wetland


Thursday 02 February, 2017


Norfolk Wildlife Trust has announced today on World Wetlands Day that over £500,000 has been donated so far to the Hickling Broad Land Purchase appeal in just 3 months.  The Trust is working to raise £1 million before the 31 March 2017 deadline to purchase 655 acres of the Hickling Broad Estate that were put on the open market in September 2016.  

However, there is still a way to go to ensure that this internationally important and wildlife-rich wetland is secured for the future. Hickling Broad is a Site of Scientific Special Interest (SSSI) and a National Nature Reserve (NNR).  It is also designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EU Birds Directive and as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the EU Habitats Directive in recognition of its European importance for its habitats and the wildlife that depends on them.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust Chief Executive, Brendan Joyce said, “Hickling Broad is a nationally and internationally important wildlife jewel. This will be the biggest land purchase in the Trust’s 90 years’ history. On a day that highlights the significance of wetlands across the world, we are asking everyone to think about one of the most important wetlands in the UK and help us.  This is a golden opportunity to secure Hickling Broad for the future so that its wildlife is protected and that its natural resources, from which many people benefit, are used wisely and sustainably.”

World Wetlands Day raises awareness of how essential wetlands are in providing valuable wildlife habitats but also how they support people.  Norfolk Wildlife Trust Ambassador and evolutionary biologist Ben Garrod said “we cannot underestimate the importance of our wetlands - they are a vital part of ensuring we have a healthy natural environment, protecting and improving water quality and working as a sponge to store floodwaters.”  He continued. “Hickling is one such wetland that is also internationally renowned for its rich biodiversity.  Nowhere else in the UK can you see the powerful Norfolk hawker dragonflies darting over the water, marsh harriers floating overhead or common cranes dancing at dawn, as well as kingfishers, Cetti’s warblers and otters. It is absolutely essential that it is protected for wildlife into the future.  We must not let all our conservation efforts be undone or let endangered species lose their homes.”

More than 1,400 acres of reedbed, fen, grazing marsh, open water and woodland make up the Hickling Broad National Nature. Its wetland habitats, sensitively restored by Norfolk Wildlife Trust, offer a year-round haven for threatened wildlife such as iconic swallowtail butterflies, marsh harriers, Norfolk hawker dragonflies, the common crane and of course, the bittern.  

The appeal to protect Hickling Broad is running alongside neighbouring Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s campaign in the Suffolk Broads.  Brendan Joyce said, “As we raise funds to protect Hickling Broad, a nature reserve since 1945, Suffolk Wildlife Trust also has a £1million appeal to extend Carlton & Oulton Marshes nature reserve near Lowestoft.  It is good to work side by side.  Together we are ensuring the future of existing nature reserves and creating new opportunities for wildlife within the Broads National Park.  These are essential and complimentary projects. “

To donate to the Hickling Broad land purchase appeal you can donate by visiting our website at: www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/support-us/hickling-broad-land-purchase-appeal  or on our Just Giving page:  www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/norfolkwildlifetrust/hickling or telephone: 01603 625540

- Ends –
Share this

Top news stories

2024-02-19 Cromer goats join NWT! Cromer goats join NWT!
Monday 19 February, 2024
Twelve rare breed goats are settling into their new life with Norfolk Wildlife Trust after retiring from their conser...
2024-02-09 High-tech cows aid nature cons High-tech cows aid nature conservation at NWT Sweet Briar Marshes
Friday 09 February, 2024
Six rare breed cattle, sporting the latest in grazing technology, have been released at Norfolk Wildlife Trust's ...
2024-02-08 NWT Cley Marshes to host Rober NWT Cley Marshes to host Robert Gillmor retrospective
Thursday 08 February, 2024
Norfolk Wildlife Trust will host a retrospective exhibition of the work of renowned wildlife artist, Robert Gillmor, ...
2024-02-02 Population of UK’s tallest bir Population of UK’s tallest bird hits record-breaking high
Friday 02 February, 2024
Survey results show 2023 was another successful year for the Common Crane, with a record 80 pairs confirmed in the UK...
2024-02-01 National Lottery Heritage Fund National Lottery Heritage Funding to support our new 'Building Foundations for the Future' project
Thursday 01 February, 2024
We are delighted to announce that we have been granted an incredible £241,642 from The National Lottery He...
2024-01-19 UK Government authorises use o UK Government authorises use of bee-killing pesticide for sugar beet
Friday 19 January, 2024
'Emergency' authorisation to use a highly damaging neonicotinoid has today been approved by UK Government, de...
2024-01-04 £210,000 boost for west Norfol £210,000 boost for west Norfolk's wetland wildlife
Thursday 04 January, 2024
Norfolk Wildlife Trust opens the new year with an exciting new project making vital improvements to rare wildlife-ric...
2024-01-04 Our former leader, Brendan Joy Our former leader, Brendan Joyce OBE
Thursday 04 January, 2024
Everyone at Norfolk Wildlife Trust is deeply saddened to hear of the death of former Chief Executive Brendan Joyce OB...
2023-12-08 British Sugar fails to deliver British Sugar fails to deliver on 3-year plan to end use of banned neonicotinoids
Friday 08 December, 2023
Time's up! Minister urged to help sugar farmers go neonic-free and honour ban as deadline approaches to end relia...
2023-12-05 Western Link road planning dec Western Link road planning decision sparks outrage amongst environmental groups
Tuesday 05 December, 2023
Following yesterday’s announcement that Norfolk County Council has given the green light for a planning applica...
2023-11-14 Shared vision revealed for Nor Shared vision revealed for Norwich nature reserve
Tuesday 14 November, 2023
We have revealed the emerging long-term vision for our newest nature reserve Sweet Briar Marshes. Sketches,...
2023-11-06 We've purchased a popular Hick We've purchased a popular Hickling pub!
Monday 06 November, 2023
We have announced that we are the new owners of the Pleasure Boat Inn at Hickling Staithe.  ...