In 2016 Norfolk Wildlife Trust reaches the 90th anniversary of its commitment to the conservation of Norfolk’s wildlife: a commitment expressed in vital land acquisition, advocacy, education and enjoyment, habitat restoration and a passionate belief that the wildlife of Norfolk deserves a healthy landscape in which to thrive and that the people of Norfolk deserve the same.
Over the year we’ll be celebrating these 90 years with events, activities, editorials, broadcasts, memories, milestones and many opportunities to explore Norfolk’s wildlife. We have set up a brand new celebration website
www.wildat90.org.uk where you can explore a timeline of key dates in NWT’s history such conservation milestones and species successes. Our Notable Ninety species of Norfolk will feature together with anniversary films and stories.
Continuing his exploration of Norfolk’s wildlife and NWT’s history which began with the publication of ‘Wild & Wonderful Norfolk’ writer, Nick Acheson will be delving into the Trust’s archives to reveal some of the pivotal stories and highlight the many pioneers from the last 90 years.
He will also explore the wildlife and wild places of Norfolk. “From the wild north coast to the sandy heaths of Breckland, the Norfolk Broads to ancient woodland, Norfolk’s diverse habitats are home to an envied variety of wildlife. Over the year we will look at nine species in particular – the ‘9 for 90’ – each of which has benefitted from our work over the past 90 years. These include the beautiful swallowtail butterfly in the Bure Valley Living Landscape, the common crane in the Upper Thurne, spoonbills at Cley and Salthouse, the early purple orchid in our North Norfolk woods, nightjars on West Norfolk heaths, stone curlews in the Brecks, water voles in the Fens and barbastelle bats in the South Norfolk Claylands. We’ll also celebrate the everyday – highlighting Norfolk’s bumblebees as representatives of nature on our doorstep – in our gardens, our churchyards and our parks.
“As we celebrate these nine, we will be mindful of those species which will require action in the coming 90 years of Norfolk Wildlife Trust conservation.”
We will also use the Year of Norfolk’s Nature to celebrate some of the lesser-known but equally fascinating species in our county, in our Notable Ninety exploration. A panel of county recorders and experts, which was headed up by NWT Trustee, Dr Tony Leech, has been suggesting and debating the species which give Norfolk its unique wildlife: whether notable because they occur nowhere else in the UK except Norfolk including many beetles and fungi; have their stronghold in the county such as scarce emerald damselflies and Norfolk hawker dragonflies; or because they are iconic of Norfolk, like our majestic marsh harriers. It promises to be a fascinating list!
School and family engagement will be a key element in celebrating our 90th anniversary. As part of our education provision, our education team visits schools to inspire pupils about Norfolk’s wildlife. Senior Education Officer, Annabel Hill is working with Norwich schools as part of the 90th celebration and creating new resources for Norfolk schools to use. “Norwich schools will take part in specifically tailored, one day sessions inspiring children about what is entailed in saving Norfolk’s wildlife: a connected landscape with healthy habitats and how everyone can play a part in protecting wildlife. Combining films, talks, arts projects, literature and science, it will be linked in with the Arts Awards as well as supporting teachers in delivering the national curriculum.
“By thinking about what species need and how habitats around the county vary, we hope it will encourage children to engage with wildlife around their home and inspire schools to visit nature reserves.”
It is not just school children we hope will take the opportunity to re-discover nature this year. Events will run across Norfolk throughout the year and there will be something of interest whatever your age or wildlife knowledge. In particular, at the Simon Aspinall Wildlife Education Centre at Cley Marshes where we will have a festival and art exhibition.
Head of Development, Nik Khandpur is excited to bring Norfolk’s wildlife into the heart of Norwich. “Between 21 May and 5 June in Norwich we will go ‘Wild in the City!’ as we take over the Forum for two weeks. There will be a whole range of activities including storytelling, craft activities, talks and an art exhibition. We are also delighted to also be able to create a city trail of beautiful images of our nature reserves. Renowned photographic artist, Richard Osbourne is donating use of his stunning images, which will be displayed in the windows of shops in Norwich, leading back up to the Forum. Meanwhile our “9 for 90” species trail will be taking place at the Castle Museum alongside other wild and wonderful artefacts dating back to the 1920s.
Visitor Services and Sales Manager, Nick Morritt is making sure the centres will be joining in the celebration: “the seasonal visitor centres will be opening this year on 25 March (Good Friday). Over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend our ‘explore and discover bumbags’ will be free for families to use and there will be a free Easter trail. Towards the end of the year we will have our first ‘members month’ with activities planned for our 35,000 members.” NWT is also working with Pensthorpe, launching our Norfolk Wildlife Saver in the Spring which gives visitors access to Pensthorpe Natural Park and two Norfolk Wildlife nature reserves for just £15.
“It is going to be a great year,” surmised NWT Chief Executive, Brendan Joyce. “We are looking forward to sharing the achievements of many involved in Norfolk conservation who have made us what we are, and to inspiring the future conservationists who will save Norfolk’s wildlife for the next ninety years.”