PROFILE WATATUNGA WILDLIFE RESERVE
Unique wildlife reserve comes to Norfolk Farmer and conservationist Ed Pope has created a stunning wildlife reserve in west Norfolk.
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Norfolk farmer is pioneering a new approach to protecting the planet’s last populations of endangered deer, antelope and birds from across the globe – by recreating a wildlife reserve in Norfolk. Ed Pope, of Watlington Farms, designated almost 70ha (170 acres) of unused wetland near King’s Lynn as a reserve dedicated to the conservation of threatened wild animals and birds – including the great bustard. “We’re striving to inspire a new generation with the challenges of conservation in the 21st century by showcasing the majesty of these creatures while telling the story of their struggle to survive,” he says. “There are lots of forgotten species out there – both in the UK and internationally. Everybody talks about what you might call the sexy species – but ecosystems rely on the not so sexy species too and that’s what we’re looking after.” Called Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, the Norfolk reserve is working with conservationists from zoos and safari parks across the world to foster and breed rare species and give them a stepping stone towards survival. A regular visitor to Africa since he was about six years old, Mr Pope credits bird-watching with his father for encouraging what has become a lifelong dedicated passion Continued overleaf DECEMBER 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 29
