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UK Wildlife Trust Celebrates 100 Years With Free Entry
5 Mar
Summary
- Norfolk Wildlife Trust celebrates its centenary, offering free site access.
- Founded in 1926, it began with the purchase of Cley Marshes.
- Species recovery includes cranes, bitterns, and natterjack toads.
The Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT), established in 1926, is commemorating its centenary with a special 'free weekend in nature'. This event offers the public complimentary access to its sites from Friday to Sunday, marking 100 years of dedicated wildlife conservation. The NWT's origins trace back to Dr. Sydney Long's purchase of Cley Marshes, an area of 435 acres, which was established as a permanent bird sanctuary.
Cley Marshes has since become a significant attraction, drawing over 100,000 visitors annually and serving as the catalyst for the nationwide network of county wildlife trusts. The trust has successfully aided the recovery of various species in Norfolk, including the crane, bittern, purple emperor butterfly, and natterjack toad. In a recent expansion, the NWT acquired 100 acres of ancient woodland at Foxley Wood in 2025, further enhancing its conservation reserves.
Chief executive Eliot Lyne expressed pride in the organization's legacy and future ambitions, stating the trust aims for a 'wilder, healthier and more prosperous Norfolk into the next century.' This milestone coincides with broadcaster David Attenborough's 100th birthday, who sent his congratulations and previously opened a footpath at Cley Marshes in 2015.
