Norfolk Wildlife Trust have launched this year’s Cley Calling Festival, which takes place at NWT Cley Marshes on the North Norfolk coast from Thursday 15 September to Sunday 18 September.
The festival’s theme for 2022 is freshwater ecosystems. Four days of events will celebrate Norfolk’s wonderful wet landscapes, explore some of the threats these precious wildlife habitats face and take a look at how conservationists are helping to recover and improve them.
Held at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Simon Aspinall Wildlife Education and Visitors’ Centre at NWT Cley Marshes nature reserve, the events will run from Thursday 15 September to Sunday 18 September, with an extended art exhibition from 7 September to 5 October.
Cley Calling: Our Watery World features art, writing, crafts and photography. It is also a chance to enjoy family fun inspired by the natural world and the clean freshwater we all rely upon. Included are illustrated talks, guided walks and discovery events such as pond dipping.
During its opening evening, NWT ambassador, Nick Acheson, will be in conversation with naturalist and author Amy-Jane Beer. They will be discussing the nature of rivers, her adventures and personal connections with them.
On the Friday, you can head out on a walk through the stunning North Norfolk coastal landscape with local author and naturalist, David North, or join David Townsend, a fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, for an introduction to his world of impressionist photography. The Friday evening talk is with RSPB Haweswater site manager Lee Schofield, who will talk about his book Wild Fell, which gives a personal account of a decade of work to breathe life back into 3,000 hectares of moorland, mountain, meadow and stream in the Lake District National Park.
Budding wordsmiths are invited to join poet James McDermott on Saturday for a day workshop which explores ‘Feeling Unnatural in Nature’. Participants will learn tools and techniques to re-see the natural world through the written word and discover that nature is for all of us. Also on Saturday, there will be a chance to take part in NWT’s ‘Big Beach Clean Up’ and discover Fantastic Mini-beasts during pond-dipping adventures along the reserve’s dykes and around its pools and ponds.
Clare Whitelegg, NWT’s Cley Engagement Officer, said: “Freshwater is vital for many of Norfolk’s habitats, but it is increasingly burdened by multiple threats, such as pollution, climate change and water abstraction.
“Many of the species that rely on freshwater habitats are often the most threatened. Our intention at this year’s Cley Calling is to focus on the beauty and importance of these habitats. Why not join us at our wonderful wetland reserve at Cley and take a guided walk, listen to a thought-provoking talk or just enjoy the simple pleasure of pond-dipping with the family?"
Cley Calling concludes on the Sunday with artist Alice Lee leading a fun workshop - this crafty event will suit all ages and skill levels. Alice will be helping you colour her bird designs and make your own bird mobile to take home.
For the full festival programme and to book tickets, visit: www.cleycalling.com