Norfolk Wildlife Trust has been named as the charity beneficiary of the Pensthorpe Bird and Wildlife Fair, taking place at Pensthorpe Natural Park on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May 2019.
The event organisers pledged to donate a percentage of the proceeds to enhancing and protecting local wetland areas and selected NWT to receive the donation on account of its 50 nature reserves covering 4,500 hectares across the county.
It is expected that funds raised from the event, which aims to showcase Norfolk as the birdwatching capital of Britain, will be specifically used to develop wetland restoration and care in the Broads National Park, where NWT’s nature reserves include
Upton Broad and Marshes, South Walsham,
Ranworth Broad and
Hickling Broad.
Bill Jordan, owner of Pensthorpe Natural Park, comments: “As a park we have long been committed to championing local wetlands and encouraging people to appreciate their necessity within the region’s ecosystems.
“In being able to raise funds for Norfolk Wildlife Trust we know that our event will not only facilitate people’s passion for birding and nature but will enable us to reinvest in the protection and careful management of the vital wetland habitats on our doorstep.”
Pamela Abbott, Chief Executive of Norfolk Wildlife Trust comments: “Norfolk Wildlife Trust is delighted to have been selected as the chosen charity for the Pensthorpe Bird and Wildlife Fair.
“Norfolk has globally significant wetlands, from our beautiful Broads in the East to the internationally-rare valley mire in the West at Roydon Common; ponds and pingos in South Norfolk and the unrivalled north Norfolk coast.”
Kevin Hart, Head of Nature Reserves at Norfolk Wildlife Trust, adds “Our wetlands provide important habitat for much rare and threatened wildlife. Our wildlife’s preservation depends on active management – grazing, cutting, mowing and more – to keep the habitats in healthy condition. Norfolk Wildlife Trust will use the donation from Pensthorpe Bird and Wildlife Fair to continue our work protecting and enhancing our crucial wetlands.”
Norfolk’s marshes provide winter habitat for wigeon, teal and brent geese, breeding habitat for redshank and lapwing, and a stopover for many wildfowl and waders. Reed beds are home to marsh harriers, bearded tits and bitterns. The Broads are important for otters and dragonflies and the fens and ditches home to scarce wetland plants, water voles, kingfishers and little grebes.
The Pensthorpe Bird and WIldlife Fair will highlight the county’s credentials as a birding and wildlife hotspot and shine a light on the myriad species which rely on local wetlands.
The new event, sponsored by local nature businesses Cley Spy, in Glandford, WILD Sounds & Books, in Salthouse, and Norfolk Cottages from Holt and Wells-next-the-Sea, will feature guest speakers, demonstrations, walks and talks, and book signings.
Tickets cost £8 per person. Under 3s and Pensthorpe Annual Members are free. Parking is free. Dogs, except guide dogs, are not allowed in the main reserve.
For more information about the Pensthorpe Bird and Wildlife Fair or to book tickets visit
pensthorpe.com/birdfair or call 01328 851465.