Norfolk Coast Guardian 2022

Norfolk Coast

GUARDIAN

YOUR FREE GUIDE to the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 2022

INSIDE

Wildlife

Local Art Cycling Walking Events

2 WELCOME

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

Inside this year’s Norfolk Coast Guardian

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elcome to this year’s copy of the Norfolk Coast Guardian, produced by the team at Norfolk Coast Partnership (NCP) and a wide range of partners.

Our ambition in this publication is to show you some of the best of what our Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has to offer – but also to explain some of the challenges we all face in making sure this special place is conserved and enhanced.

Inside you will discover recommended walking and cycle routes, some of the incredible art on show in Norfolk, efforts to look after our seas and why beach nesting birds need your help.

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17 You will also read about the overarching views of some of the key people at NCP, both about the future of our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and how it played a special part in the lives of so many residents during the tightest covid lockdowns.

There are articles about rewilding and regenerative agriculture, NCP projects which are currently under way to help our rivers improve and our communities understand how they can improve their environment, why putting dogs on leads matters especially at key times of year and some new visitor attractions on their way.

And you can even contribute to our efforts in the AONB by buying some of

our merchandise.

Thank you to all of the contributors to this publication, from writers to photographers to interviewees to advertisers. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

• The role of NCP is to manage the AONB on behalf of the four local authorities who share responsibility for it.

These are Norfolk County Council; North Norfolk District Council; Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk; and Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

The NCP fulfils the statutory duties of these four councils under Part IV of the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000 to conserve and enhance the AONB’s natural beauty.

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NATURE ART MAP LOCAL PRODUCTS WALKING CYCLING EVENTS

Enjoy your visit and stay safe: The information in this publication was correct at time of going to press but it pays to make sure.

Plan your visit ahead and check with businesses and organisations in advance.

COVER ART: Les Bunyan Wildlife Photography www.lesbunyanphotography.co.uk

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Creating positive change in our natural spaces

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t is a deeply challenging time for nature. But it is also an extremely exciting, vibrant time for those focused on helping our under-pressure habitats recover.

‘Nature Recovery’ or ‘Green Recovery’ are both two-word phrases at the top of many lists. You will hear and see versions of these phrases appearing regularly in all sorts of media and conversations. Elsewhere in this publication you will read about projects being funded by the Green Recovery Challenge Fund (GRCF), which is designed to provide funding for environmental charities and their partners to work on projects across England to restore nature and tackle climate change.

And so the zeitgeist – the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history – is very much about creating positive change in our natural spaces. Grabbing hold of that zeitgeist is a key part of the approach now being taken by the Norfolk Coast Partnership (NCP).

Important time

Andrew Jamieson, Chair of NCP’s Core Management Group, explained: “It is such an important time now for us here in Norfolk because the environment is coming up the agenda in Government thinking really fast.

“The population at large also plays a key part. People are so much more aware of the problems facing us than they have been in the past. They are seeing heavier rainfall, experiencing flooding – and not just on the news, but often in their own communities.

“Both of these factors are a huge advantage for any organisation dedicated to helping nature recover. With both government and people on board, there can be significant movement.”

Mr Jamieson, also Norfolk County Council’s Councillor for the North Coast division and cabinet member for finance, said the trick now was to focus that concern.

“We need to clearly articulate what the effects are to our precious coast and how we can best ameliorate those effects.”

What Mr Jamieson does not want to see happen is the raising of ‘no entry’ signs.

“It’s not about stopping people coming here at all, in any way, shape or form.

“Engagement is going to be key. We need to help people understand why sand dunes are particularly susceptible to people walking in the wrong place.

“We need to show people why having dogs running off a lead when there are

ground nesting birds in their breeding season is potentially so damaging to a population.

“We need to demonstrate the poor condition our rivers are in, but also the good things we can do to those rivers to help them recover their full biodiversity.

“There is now money available for these types of project.

“We can do more than just conserve what we have got, we can make nature recovery a very real thing.”

Financing opportunities are blended, using both private and public streams in partnership.

“We are hugely excited about the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme for example,” said Mr Jamieson.

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We can do more than just conserve what we have got, we can make nature recovery a very real thing.

Photo: www.shutterstock.com/Andy333. Left: www.shutterstock.com/Paul Wishart.

Andrew Jamieson, Chair of Norfolk Coast Partnership, shares his vision for the future.

Funding

FiPL is part of Defra’s Agricultural Transition Plan and offers funding to farmers and land managers in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), National Parks and the Broads to support nature recovery and mitigate the impacts of climate change – among other notable ambitions.

“There are farmers and landowners engaging in the wider idea of nature recovery rather than just fighting for yield.”

Mr Jamieson added that two of NCP’s current projects, Norfolk Coast Resilience and Two Chalk Rivers, which both sit under GRCF funding, are “just the beginning of some real success stories”.

“Norfolk Coast Partnership can’t do everything, but it can be an enabler and a focus for collaboration.

“It’s about building a single and coherent case to make sure money comes in and people engage with the movement properly.

“And this all enables us to conserve our beautiful coastline, while not pickling it in aspic. This is a dynamic landscape, not a static one. It’s not a museum.

Main: Sand dunes along the Norfolk Coast path at Burnham Overy Staithe.

Above: People on the Green at Hunstanton enjoying the sun.

“People should be actively supported to live and work here, it must not become a dormitory for older people.”

A special place

An unintended consequence of Covid and the subsequent working from home and hybrid working models has helped to drive the concept of sensitive economic activity within the AONB, said Mr Jamieson.

“The shift in how people work has been enormously relevant to show that people can be usefully economically active away from the office in all sorts of roles where that wasn’t necessarily felt to be the case in the past.”

Overall, there was also an ambition to rub out the strict line between the AONB and the ‘not AONB’, creating an approach

where a project could have benefits both sides of the border.

“We want to give the idea that Norfolk as a whole is a beautiful county, a special place. It’s not just about being either inside or outside of the AONB line.

“And taking more people inland will help to take pressure off the coast, which will also be an enabling factor for inland businesses.”

The big challenge?

“How to constructively manage the interplay between nature conservation and visitor tourism so that one doesn’t overwhelm the other.

“This is a sustained and dynamic process of interaction, which we won’t ever get precisely right, but you have to patrol that interaction and constructively look for balance.”

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Motion for the ocean Earlier this year, North Norfolk District Council became the first local authority in the East of England to declare an urgent need for ocean recovery

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he ‘Motion for the Ocean’, supported at a District Council meeting in February, recognises the importance of the ocean in the fight against climate change and the role that local and national government need to play to help protect it.

The declaration commits the Council to consider ocean recovery in its decision and policy making, to help improve the way marine environments are used and managed, to rally support for local people to act as marine citizens and to lobby central government for change at national level.

Councillor Angie Fitch-Tillett is Portfolio Holder for Coastal Management and LGA Coastal Special Interest Group Member Lead for Adaptation.

She said: “Coastal communities, such as those in North Norfolk, are disproportionately impacted by climate change compared to inland communities due to rising water temperatures and sea levels, changes in ocean chemistry and more frequent extreme weather impacts.

“These factors can affect local seafood and tourism industries while accelerating coastal erosion and the risk to infrastruc-

ture and properties.

“We have been leading the way for marine conservation regionally though projects such as the ‘Limits of Acceptable Change’ study through the Wash and North Norfolk Marine Partnership and the recently passed Council motion aimed at holding local water treatment companies to account.

“It is natural that we would be one of the first local authorities in England, and the first in the region, to declare an urgent need for ocean recovery, to pledge to do all we can as a local authority to help protect our marine environment and recognise the full range of benefits a healthy ocean can bring.”

Investment

The ‘Motion for the Ocean’ commits North Norfolk District Council to consider the ocean when making decisions, particularly around budgets, planning, skills and regeneration, as well as ensuring that the economic opportunities from the sea, such as fishing, marine technology, renewable energy and aquaculture, are developed in a sustainable way.

Through the declaration, the Council also pledges to invest in the ocean as part of its climate change plans, strive to ensure that all pupils have a first-hand experience of the ocean before leaving primary school and support and promote equitable access to the ocean for all.

Supporting the motion, Councillor Nigel Lloyd, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, Climate Change and Environment, added: “The world ocean is in crisis due to decades of irresponsible marine exploitation and pollution together with the devastating impact of

climate change on marine ecosystems.

An unhealthy ocean is detrimental to our local economies, the health, wellbeing and prosperity of coastal communities and to our climate as it means that the sea can’t store as much carbon as it should.

“The ocean is an important part of our local heritage, with its future protection a key factor in delivering local prosperity, boosting the area’s economy, providing sustainable jobs and ensuring a clean, safe coastal environment which better connects people and the sea.

“Unfortunately, there are many people who do not have the opportunity, or the means, to access and enjoy the ocean. First-hand experience of the ocean is not only important for health and wellbeing but is essential if people are to be motivated to play their part in helping to protect and care for it – whether that is through recycling more and responsibly

An inspiring A and beautiful place to visit You may hear the phrase ‘Limits of Acceptable Change’ used in the debate around how, and particularly how many, people access our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. But what does this phrase mean?

ccess to the coast and countryside is important for society, bringing health and wellbeing benefits.

The Norfolk Coast is an inspiring and beautiful place to visit and tourism is a key part of the local economy.

Yet there can be problems and challenges with high numbers of visitors. The Norfolk Coast is of international importance for the species and habitats present.

These habitats and species can be vulnerable to disturbance, trampling, nutrient enrichment (for instance from dog fouling) and there is a heightened risk of fires (from barbecues and so on).

There is therefore a difficult balancing act to provide for visitors and wildlife.

Visitor levels

A common question to ask is what is the right number of visitors? – what is the carrying capacity? Yet this is a really challenging question to answer and trying to set a threshold can often be the wrong way to approach the problem.

The scale of impact may relate to other factors besides visitor numbers that vary

Above: Scolt Head Island

markedly. For example birds may be more vulnerable to disturbance in certain weather conditions or tide states, while soils may be more vulnerable to trampling when wet. Some impacts may be seasonal, meaning a given location can support lots more people at specific times. The distribution of habitats and species can change with time (tern colonies can come and go on beaches). How visitors behave (such as whether they keep their dog on a lead or not) may be more important than visitor numbers per se. If all visitors remain just by the car park or follow a marked route the issues are very different compared to a scenario where people disperse. Carrying capacity is elusive.

Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) is an alternative approach that avoids reliance on set visitor thresholds. The approach was first used in the USA in the 1980s and was initially devised to address impacts associated with perceived overcrowding and restore qualities of naturalness and solitude in areas defined as wilderness. It is a framework

disposing of litter to volunteering in ocean conservation.”

Policy change

Other actions include calls for national policy change, lobbying Central Government to appoint a dedicated Minister for Coastal Communities and ensuring communities have a meaningful say in the development of marine policy. It also urges Government to produce a national Ocean Recovery Strategy, which would include strengthening legislation to help address issues such as single use plastics and microfibres polluting oceans.

The Motion supports North Norfolk District Council in its ongoing efforts to tackle climate change and environmental issues. In 2019, the Council declared a climate emergency, making a commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030 and to enhance the natural environment. that is ‘indicator’ or ‘standards-based’ and although widely used globally, has rarely been used in the UK. The process focusses on managers setting out the different characteristics or types of zone they want to achieve (referred to as opportunity classes) and within each type of zone, setting management actions to achieve or maintain particular conditions, linked to monitoring data.

Monitoring

LAC therefore centres around a set of key indicators that can be easily monitored and then visitor management is around keeping those indicators within acceptable levels. So for example, potential indicators could be the numbers of dogs off lead or people straying off footpaths and different indicators are relevant for different zones or parts of the coast. Managers have to identify where, and to what extent, varying degrees of change are appropriate and acceptable.

Footprint Ecology is working with the Wash and North Norfolk Marine Partnership, Norfolk Coast Partnership and

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Celebrating the past and protecting the future Photo: www.shutterstock.com/Rupert Gibson Photography

Angie Fitch-Tillett, Vice-Chair of the Norfolk Coast Partnership (NCP), speaks about the importance of the AONB and the fine balance between its promotion and protection.

At the time of its February decision, NNDC was the 4th council in the UK, after Plymouth City Council, Falmouth Town Council and South Tyneside Council, to pass the Motion for the Ocean – a model motion of pledges which have been developed by three marine and coastal experts to encourage local authorities to declare an urgent need for ocean recovery.

Working hard

One of those experts is Emily Cunningham, lead officer for the LGA Coastal Special Interest Group, of which North Norfolk District Council is a member.

She said: “Coastal local authorities are working hard to bring about a brighter future for the communities they serve, yet too often they overlook the opportunities and benefits that a healthy ocean could provide.

“I congratulate the Councillors at NNDC on this declaration. I look forward to seeing the difference this will make to the coastal communities and stunning natural environment of the area.” the Interreg PROWAD LINK with funding from a range of local authorities and partners to apply the LAC approach to the coast, from Weybourne in Norfolk to Gibraltar Point in Lincolnshire. They will be focussing on nature conservation impacts only and involving stakeholders responsible for managing the coast or access in the area. Footprint Ecology have already held one workshop, the work is progressing through this spring and summer and a second workshop is planned for July. Working with stakeholders, they plan to identify ways to zone the coast and the indicators that are relevant to each zone. They will be also highlighting visitor engagement and management approaches that are appropriate in different zones and circumstances.

For more about Footprint Ecology, see www.footprint-ecology.co.uk.

PROWAD-LINK is an Interreg North Sea Region project funded by the European Regional Development Fund with local funding from Norfolk County Council.

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he Covid pandemic changed the way many people view their immediate locality. This was very much the case for people in both rural and semi-urban Norfolk, many of whom re-established their relationship with the outdoors during those relatively car-free, furloughed lockdown days.

Angie Fitch-Tillett, Vice-Chair of the NCP, explained: “The fact we have open space and a beautiful landscape really showed its value through Covid when people were stuck. It was the saviour for many.

“There was the opportunity to go out and appreciate nature and wildlife, an opportunity many people took in order to improve, or at least maintain, their wellbeing.

“I always imagined how much tougher it must have been for people shut in who lived in urban environments with young children, and I know a lot of people with access to the AONB were particularly grateful to be where they were during that time.

“That has brought to the forefront of many minds just how important it is to both promote and protect the AONB for the future. If these places are lost, as a human race we are also lost.

“We have to promote this place, but it also has to be protected from over exposure.”

Education

Mrs Fitch-Tillett, also North Norfolk District Council’s Councillor for the Poppyland ward and cabinet member for the coast, added: “I’m born and bred here and put simply, I love the place and its people.

I love the opportunities we have to get out into nature, to watch the skeins of pink footed geese flying above our villages, to appreciate the diversity of the landscape, to walk on the beaches and along the cliffs.

“We get many visitors who know a lot

about natural habitats, but we also get a lot of visitors who know significantly less.

We need to help them understand that these places need appropriate management, and that the long-term residents – in other words the wildlife – need protecting, particular at their key times of the year, whether that means the migrating bird populations or the breeding birds, fish and mammals.

“People need to understand the damage that trampling wildflowers does, or the impact of leaving litter – which can stop the flora from growing, kill the fauna and looks awful.

“Because of the nature of our communities, we do rely on tourism very heavily for our economy. The services we live by, the roads, the bin emptying, our schools, all needs that visitor income to fund it into the future. But we also need to work on making our communities sustainable year-round – the obvious challenges there being empty homes, second homes, holiday homes and affordable housing.”

Young people

One demographic Mrs Fitch-Tillett is keen to tap into and better understand is younger people. “It’s easy to underestimate the pester power of young people.

Their parents will often learn about issues such as saving water in the bathroom from those younger people. They are very important both now and in the future as they

grow older themselves with the knowledge they are learning in school and from their wider communities.”

So in 25 years time, what will the AONB look like?

“I don’t think we can expect it to be exactly the same.

“In terms of percentage of land, what the farmers and landowners do next is hugely important, and what Government does to encourage that behaviour will be hugely influential.

“There have been several massive changes in agricultural practices over the decades. For a long time high turnover and maximum food production were the priorities. Countryside stewardship has had a positive impact in recent years. Then we have had Brexit, and agricultural subsidies are not yet resolved.

“So in two decades it won’t be the same, but we need a better emphasis on managing for wildlife. In simple terms we need to think about hedges, the size of machinery, the size of fields, reducing synthetic fertilisers, using natural fertilisers from livestock.

“We have an amazing history in this county of thinking about wildlife. The Cley Marshes reserve, which showed the way for so many other conservation sites, is nearly 100 years old, and so many more areas for conservation have followed.

“We want to be able to share all these amazing places, but we need to do so in a responsible and sustainable way.

“And then of course there is the ocean.

The sea has always had two main purposes, fishing and tourism. In North Norfolk particularly because of the small size of the boats, and the fact the fishermen here understand how important the chalk reef is, it has been a no trawl zone – which has made an immeasurably large difference to the biodiversity in our sea.

“The relationship between the AONB and the Marine Conservation Zone is incredibly important. They are different designations but they have a direct impact on one another – water from the AONB moves into the MCZ, and, for instance, lost fishing gear or anything people throw into the sea can end up in the AONB.”

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Beach nesting birds are go!

A new season is here for the birds that breed on our beaches! RSPB Project Officer Wynona Legg explains

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s the weather warms up, many of us start to think about summer and those much-needed escapes to the sandy shores of the Norfolk coast! Only thing is, we aren’t the only ones making important plans for the season ahead.

The beaches at Snettisham and Heacham are home to some very special birds which make their nests in the sand and shingle through the Spring and Summer months. Ringed plover and oystercatcher are just two of the birds which do this, and we are lucky enough to have them breeding on our doorstep.

Sadly, these vulnerable birds are in decline and they need your help!

From February, the birds begin pairing up and assessing the beach for the best place to nest and raise a family. It’s not an easy task to build a nest on the sand as they dodge a steady stream of visitors and their four-legged friends exploring the shore. We must do our best to give them space to raise their families on our local beaches at this crucial time and we are asking for visitors to help.

What does this mean for visitors to these beaches?

1. Fences From March, fenced areas are in place on these beaches to ensure the birds have the space they need to build their nests.

Please help the birds by keeping your distance from fenced areas to avoid scaring off birds as they try to keep their eggs and chicks safe and warm.

2. Signs You will see signs around the site that provide information on the birds and how you can help them during your visit. Do read these signs when you arrive and during your visit for key information and keep birds safe by following any requests.

3. Dogs on leads please Dogs are welcome on Snettisham and Heacham South Beach throughout the year (we love to meet them!), but they must be on a lead from March to the end of August. There will be some places where you can let your pooch run free but please read signs to find out where. Nesting birds are easily scared away by dogs off their leads, leaving their eggs vulnerable to predators and exposed to the weather. Keeping dogs on leads during the season can make a big difference to their survival.

4. Friendly faces There will be RSPB staff and a team of lovely volunteers on the beaches during the season, chatting to visitors, providing information and making sure these special birds have the space they need to breed. Feel free to say hello – we’re looking forward to meeting you!

How long is the season?

Beach nesting bird season on these beaches runs from March until the end of August.

By following guidance during this time, you can help the birds to keep their eggs safe and warm and keep their chicks out of harm’s way until they are big enough to fly.

How can I help the beach nesting birds raise their families on my local beach?

• Read signage on arrival and during your visit to find out about restrictions and key information.

• Keep dogs on leads when requested

(March – end of August).

• Keep your distance from fenced areas (to avoid scaring birds off their nest).

• #WatchYourStep – often nests pop up outside of fenced areas whilst tiny chicks are mobile soon after hatching – please watch your step whilst walking on the beach and tell us if you see something important.

• Ask staff and volunteers – they are here to help and will always have lots of lovely stories to share about the birds’ journeys through the season.

• Get involved – we will be organising some small events across the season – come and join us!

• Volunteer with us – we are looking for

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Scarce Pug moth sitting on a leaf

volunteers! Get in touch to find out more!

• Spread the word about beach nesting birds! They need our support more than ever!

• Join the conversation by following @ RSPBTitchwell on Facebook or Twitter or by reading our community blog at www. rspb.org.uk/Snettisham • Get in touch! Email titchwell@rspb. org.uk We would love to hear from you – your voice matters to us.

RSPB’s Plovers in Peril Project is delivered in partnership with Wild Ken Hill and is funded by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk through the Habitats Monitoring and Mitigation Fund.

The project has also received generous support from Natural England.

A collaborative initiative has launched this season between conservation organisations and landowners to urge visitors to help in protecting beach nesting birds across the Norfolk Coast. RSPB, Wild Ken Hill, National Trust, Holkham Estate, Norfolk Wildlife Trust and Norfolk Coast Partnership have joined together to ask visitors to follow three simple steps: 1. Stay away from fenced off breeding areas 2. Follow directions on signs, and 3. Keep dogs on a lead when asked to do so.

Let’s be the difference in seeing them thrive in Norfolk long into the future!

Have you ever seen a flying pug? No, not that kind!

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upithecia extensaria, aka the scarce pug, is an endangered species of moth so rare it is now only found in a few salt marshes and harbour walls along the North Norfolk coast.

Despite intensive searches for this moth, there have been no sightings in

Yorkshire or Essex since the 1990s, and its recent disappearance from Lincolnshire is thought to be connected to high tides and cattle grazing, but no one knows for sure.

Volunteers

To help this mysterious and endangered creature, experts are looking for volunteers to find out more about the remaining populations in Norfolk. They are offering training so that people can regularly count the numbers of scarce pug moths in different locations.

The first step is to locate a patch of sea wormwood which scarce pug caterpillars feed on. Sea wormwood is a distinctive aromatic silver/blue plant which grows in the drier, upper, parts of the saltmarsh and along harbour or sea walls. It’s a great place to be for a caterpillar as these locations only flood during highest of tides.

The adult scarce pug is a very distinctive moth which is sometimes seen on sea wormwood during late June or early July, but the best way to track the population is to count the caterpillars which can be easily found from mid-August to the start of September.

Butterfly Conservation will be organising a series of beginner training events in August and September, with anyone interested in learning more about the scarce pug invited to get in touch. In the meantime records of sea wormwood growing on the North Norfolk coast are welcome particularly along harbours and sea walls and perhaps where boats or kayaks can reach.

Photo: Sharon Hearle

Please follow these three simple steps Stay away from fenced off breeding areas Follow directions on signs Keep dogs on a lead when asked to do so.

The Scarce Pug needs your help!

Photo: www.shutterstock.com/DJTayl

or

Far left: Ringed plover fledgling taking it’s first flight.

Photo: Phill Gwilliam.

Left and below centre: Ringed plover with chick, South Heacham Beach 2021.

Photos: Phill Gwilliam.

Below right: Plovers in Peril Volunteers Anne and Phil with new project signage at South Heacham Beach.

Photo: Wynona Legg Below left: Ground nesting birds sign and visitors.

Photo: Steve Rowland

Sea Wormwood grows in the drier, upper, parts of the saltmarsh and along harbour or sea walls – a great place for scarce pug caterpillars to thrive.

Please contact: shearle@butterfly-conservation.org

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Juno

Holkham

SSCommodore, Sheringham

Storytelling is all about perspectives One of the greatest changes in recent years within the film making industry, whether it be drama, documentary or nature programme, has been the now near-ubiquitous use of drone camera work, for both still photography and moving images.

It’s a perspective which can add hugely to a story.

All photos: Chris Taylor, www.christaylorphoto.co.uk

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rone camera work happened quietly, and has grown slowly, without people necessarily noticing how widespread it has become as a technique. It has come to be expected, as standard.

Next time you watch a new drama, the chances are it will have drone work included. A nature programme? Take it as read.

Chris Taylor is well known in his various communities, the first of which is Sheringham, but also includes wider North Norfolk, the lifeboat world and conservation. He has built a reputation for top quality drone work, sitting alongside his photography and film making.

“The big change came in 2014 when you could not only send a drone up, you could see from the ground what you were filming.

“Since then the kit has become more accessible, the legislation has tightened and clarified which removes some of the problems which existed in the past of anyone, anywhere being able to send a drone up in the air.

“Compared to other countries the UK

Tree-plantation, Sheringham

has been welcoming to drones, and the CAA has expanded its reach and brought some very sensible controls into place to help responsible operators work effectively.

“I think the CAA saw the value of this work to all sorts of applications early on and acted accordingly.”

Challenges

There are still challenges. Quieter drones help mitigate concerns, but plenty of people still feel drones are intrusive, that they may disturb wildlife and that they might be being used for nefarious purposes.

“The biggest issue is the annoyance factor. But the industry is very well aware of noise levels – new drones now feature decibel levels on their packaging. It is also up to the drone operator to act responsibly, there are species which aren’t disturbed by drone noise, and others which are. It’s important to know the difference and consider distance between the drone and the subject.

“There is also a case for going further than the law states. While the permis-

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Small actions lead to big changes The Norfolk Coast offers a staggering array of landscapes and habitats and covers an immense geographic area.

There is something for everyone, and it’s a big part of what makes Norfolk so special, drawing visitors from far and wide. Historically, Norfolk’s landscapes have led many lives – they’ve seen bustling medieval market towns, storied battlegrounds, intense industrial and agriculture pressures and more. Across all these lives, the presence of coastal communities remains a constant. Our lands hold our histories, but they also hold our futures.

Sheringham chalk reef

Stewards

River Glaven, Bayfield

Aerial Photography Explorer

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here is a huge range of fascinating photography accessible to the public these days.

One of the newest aerial collections released is from Historic England.

In March, Historic England launched its new Aerial Photography Explorer, which for the first time allows users to search and explore an online map showing aerial photographs of England over the past 100 years.

Anyone can use the nationally important collections of aerial photographs to explore their area. Find the place where you live or why not look for your favourite football ground, railway station or the places you visit.

Aerial imagery provides a fascinating insight into the development and expansion of the nation’s urban centres and changes to the rural landscape. It can also reveal striking discoveries - such as ‘cropmarks’ showing hidden archaeology beneath the surface.

New imagery available online includes: The remains of ancient archaeology such as remains of Iron Age forts and medieval villages.

Second World War anti-invasion measures such as anti-aircraft obstructions and camouflaged runways.

Wartime adaptations to sites including Greenwich Park covered in a patchwork of allotments to grow food and aid the war effort.

A modern photograph from August 2006 shows the outlines of the allotments appearing through the grass in hot weather.

Famous buildings such as views of St James’ Park football stadium, Newcastle, from the 1920s and St Paul’s Cathedral after the war.

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sion of the landowner must always be given when flying a drone, I also like to let neighbouring property owners know when the drone is going up out of courtesy and to allay any fears they may have about why it’s there.”

But once such mitigation has been undertaken, the positives are enormous.

“The benefits are extensive. We can measure cliff falls at places like Trimingham very accurately because of the ability to access the area from ground level to 400 feet, which traditional aircraft can’t do.

“Habitat assessment, species counts, evidence of silting in shallow seas, monitoring of populations, engagement with the public, algal blooms, archaeological records, the list is long. And that doesn’t include the other important uses – emergency services looking for missing people, even lifesaving at sea in some countries.

“And on top of all of that, it also helps the wider public appreciate, understand and enjoy important sites with more immediacy than they would otherwise.”

One of Chris’s favourite drone-related topics is the Weybourne to Happisburgh chalk reef and the fact that, weather, sediment and tidal conditions allowing, this can now be carefully and precisely recorded through the extremely Caribbean-like blue and shallow waters of the North Sea. He also played a crucial part in last year’s rediscovery of the SS Commodore, a 125-year-old shipwreck off Sheringham, first discovering it while snorkelling and then recording it visually both from the water and from the air.

As stewards of our coast, the quality and resilience of our landscapes is entirely up to us. Small actions lead to big changes, and every person living, working or playing along the coast can make a tangible impact for nature. Our landscapes are not just the sheer cliffs and sweeping dunes of the coast, but also the hedgerows, meadows, ponds and schoolgrounds nestled within our streets. And improving small pieces of our environment can lead to a robust network of greenspaces allowing nature to flourish.

A nature recovery plan is a guide and a tool to be used for assessing existing habitats, identifying opportunities for new or improved habitats, and supporting the dynamic growth and recovery of our green More than 400,000 images from 1919 to the spaces. Nature recovery planning / m A o n c . t h k c o ny S e rsto mit hI present day have been added to the tool, cov- ww.shutt ma offers the opportunity to be ge w s ering nearly 30% (about 15,000 square hoto: thoughtful about how we miles) of England, allowing people impact and engage with immediate digital access to Historic the land, habitats and England’s nationally important colspecies surrounding lection of aerial photographs. us and to build a Around 300,000 of these are the goal for the future. work of Historic England’s Aerial Building an effecInvestigation and Mapping team. tive nature recovEstablished in 1967, the team ery plan within takes photographs of England from your community is the air to discover new archaeologia fantastic way to join cal sites, create archaeological maps disconnected conserand monitor the condition of historic vation efforts, and it can sites across the country. transform many small acts to The remaining 100,000 images come from larger, landscape-scale change. the Historic England Archive aerial photography collection, which numbers over six million Workshops images in total, and includes important hisThrough a collaborative and commutoric photography, including interwar and postnity-led approach, the Norfolk Coast war images from Aerofilms Ltd and The Royal Partnership will be delivering a series Air Force. of hands-on ecological workshops and By opening up these images to the pubsmall grants to support local commulic through this accessible online tool, Hisnities to build and act on nature recovtoric England hopes that people will use it to ery plans for their environment. The research their local areas, offering an insight Coast Resilience Project is a Green into a century of changes and development.

Recovery Challenge funded project This will allow them potentially to make their running to March 2023 and will focus own discoveries about their local areas. It will on building skills and delivering fundalso provide industry professionals and local ing in coastal Norfolk communities. authorities with a useful resource to help planFor more information about the proning, heritage projects and archaeological ject, to register for workshops or apply investigation. for grants funding, please visit norOver the coming years, Historic England folkcoastaonb.org.uk/project/norfolkaims to expand the platform, which can be coast-resilience accessed at www.historicengland.org.uk.

10 ART

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

E Immerse yourself in the coast

A

trio of podcasts have been released to YouTube by a Norfolk team focussed on mitigating the impacts of climate change on our coastal sand dunes.

The podcasts introduce the coastal sand dune sites of Holme-next-the-Sea, Holkham and Winterton.

Each podcast gives an insight to what makes these sites so special and why we need to protect these vulnerable natural barriers.

HOLME-NEXT-THE-SEA At Holme, you can join Gary Hibberd, Norfolk Wildlife Trust warden, for a guided walk through the reserve. Listen to Gary talk about the lasting impacts of the 2013 storm surge, the common indicator species along the dunes, Seahenge and soft forms of sea defence from dune systems, estuaries and saltmarshes.

HOLKHAM At Holkham, Andy Bloomfield, senior warden at Holkham Dunes national nature reserve, takes you on a short walk through the dunes. We learn about the history of the dunes at Holkham, shore-nesting birds and the management of the site. Andy also talks about the impacts visitors can have on the dunes and discusses etiquette for bringing along dogs.

WINTERTON At Winterton, Kim Hammond from the Open University takes us on a walk through Winterton Dunes. Kim talks about the wildlife found here, including seals and shore nesting birds and how we, as visitors to their homes, can keep both ourselves and them safe. We also learn about the erosion issues at Winterton and the signage explaining the stabilisation efforts on the dunes.

The project which created the podcasts was called ENDURE, an Interreg Two Seas project, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, that ran from 2018-2021. ENDURE stands for ENsuring DUne REsilience. In Norfolk the project focussed on visitor pressures.

The podcasts can be found on the ENDURE YouTube channel as well as other podcast sites.

The ENDURE website is www.endure. eu.com and the attached QR codes will take you to the podcast web page on this site.

arly in 2021 GroundWork Gallery - Britain’s only contemporary art gallery dedicated to the environment - was invited to be part of a huge North American-based initiative: Extraction: Art on the Edge of the Abyss.

The programme was inspired by the highly controversial Berkeley Pit in Montana, a former copper mining area which was abandoned postproduction, leaving an utterly polluted sink the size of an underground skyscraper. Two artists, Edwin Dodd and Peter Koch brought together more than 50 artists and art organisations to ‘raise a ruckus’ about the pit and other examples of mines, drilling projects and fracking which were wreaking havoc on the environment across the United States. Sadly, Edwin Dodd died during the year but his work was carried on by a team led by Sam Pelts who published a huge ‘Megazine’ compiling many of the projects.

Call to action

Intrigued by the dramatic notion of ‘Art on the Edge of the Abyss’ and the urgent call to action, our first thought was yes, of course we would participate. Right from the start, we committed to a two-year programme on such an important subject. Just hitting the news at the time in the UK were repeating stories of protests against a new Cumbrian coal mine and plans for the new Cambo oil field west of Shetland were looking increasingly ill-advised. With the UK hosting COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021, environmental issues might at last gain serious political attention. GroundWork was the only UK contributing organisation to the Extraction programme, though there were numerous UK artists involved.

Artist in residence programme

This was the context for discussions with the Norfolk Coast Partnership on extraction issues along the Norfolk coast. We needed a project we could work on with an artist in residence programme. We knew Norfolk did not have a coal mine or an oil field, and we suspected that the issues in East Anglia were likely to be less controversial and smaller scale. Nevertheless, that does not mean that our context was any less important or urgent. Without due diligence and vigilance, what might seem benign in terms of its impact on the environment can quickly become more of a threat. Consider the issue of peat, which was regarded historically as a resource for burning, then (once drained) as a fertile medium for agriculture, and now in the era of climate change: a landscape which is dangerously carbon-emitting, as long as it remains in its dry state. Peat was considered as a subject for Extraction but given its low abundance within the Norfolk Coast AONB, quarries were selected instead, focusing on Carr Stone, flint, chalk and the controversial silica sand.

With a subsidy from the Norfolk Coast Partnership Small Grant Fund, we set up three artist-residency projects to explore this subject; one with the well-established Art in the Environment residency via the University of the Arts London (UAL) and two directly via GroundWork.

Advised by Norfolk Geodiversity Partnership in the form of geologist and writer Tim Holt Wilson, we scoped out the area for our initial investigations.

We also made contact with a number of quarry owners and managers, including Peter Lemon, CEO of Middleton Aggregates. Thus began our first year’s pro-

A Norfolk story of extraction, by Veronica Sekules, director of the GroundWork Gallery on Purfleet Street in King’s Lynn

Ed gy

t r A

jects from July-September 2021. For the Norfolk Coast Partnership, it was important to discover more on how the quarry landscapes are managed. For us, this was important too, however we wanted our artistic investigations and projects to give us a new kind of privileged access, to help us to see and to show the public the landscapes in new ways and in greater depth.

Were quarries engaging in dangerous and threatening extraction or not?

T

Below: Kaitlin Ferguson gallery text piece.

hree artists took part in 2021 for two weeks each: Kaitlin Ferguson, Shaun Fraser and Rebecca Faulkner from UAL, plus a filmmaker, Callum Hunter. Kaitlin was interested in chalk and flint, carrying this forward from her previous geological interests while studying for an Art and Environment MA in Edinburgh. She visited nine quarries and geological sites and made a whole body of new works, ranging from drawings, to prints, to 3D computer print reliefs, to poetry.

Shaun Fraser, a sculptor trained in the glass department at the Royal College of Art was interested in silica sand. It so happens that King’s Lynn quarry, owned

by Belgian company Sibelco, is the largest silica sand quarry in the UK and supplies 80% of the sand needed for the UK glass industry. Shaun made drawings and sand sculptures inspired by this landscape.

The third artist, Rebecca Faulkner was interested in sand in general. Tim Holt Wilson led her to some remarkable former quarry workings at Wolterton and Sandringham. At Middleton Aggregates and Sibelco quarries we all discovered not just different grades of sand, but significant fossil remains in the spoil heaps. Rebecca made photographs, film, drawings and a large-scale mind-map telling the varied and sometimes uncomfortable story of sand journeys. Globally, sand is one of the world’s most exploited and endangered natural materials.

Overall, we half expected to find landscapes of vast chasms and open pits, comparable to the extraction landscapes in the

ART 11

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

Visit our online merchandise store The Norfolk Coast Partnership is proud to have a small merchandise store which converts profits back into funding of environmental projects on the coast.

To access the store, have a look at www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/shop.

Our poetry book ‘Walk With Me’ celebrates the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It is a high-quality keepsake, a book of poetry and images by those who love this place, featuring the work of 23 photographers and nine poets. With an introduction by journalist and author Patrick Barkham, 66 pages of evocative poems and dazzling photographs, a map and a short history, it’s a fantastic celebration of the coast for £9.

Designer Robert Gillmor has created some beautiful greetings cards with his original linocut ‘Outstanding’. A vibrant portrayal of Morston harbour sings with colour and air in this unique special commission, made and donated by the artist to celebrate 50 years of the Norfolk Coast area of outstanding natural beauty. It is a high quality, full colour print on white card of the original linocut;

NORFOLK COA ST AREA OF OUTST ANDING NATURA L BEAUTY 50 YEARS 1968-2018 Outstanding, a special

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blank inside; with white envelope and in sealed cellophane wrap; greetings card folded dimensions 150×200 mm. £14.50 for a pack of five. The same linocut has been used to create a £12 poster of approximately 46cm by 30cm.

The £5 Norfolk Coast Cycleway guide will take you along quiet roads and lanes between King’s Lynn and Great Yarmouth via Cromer. Along the way there are wonderful views of the sea and fascinating places to explore in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

All prices include UK postage and packing.

Taking the lead United States. But no, far from it. Even at Sibelco’s huge sand quarry, we came away at the end convinced that this was an industry which is using its extracted materials in the most economic and environmentally sensitive way possible.

Throughout our quarrying investigations, we were met with a series of neat landscapes of order, some of them sub-divided according to the varieties of minerals, and to the different functions necessary in dealing with them, others in various states of restoration. We learned from Peter Lemon that 75% of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are in former quarries, which make excellent biodiverse environments once restored.

Good practice

Good environmental practices in Norfolk quarries occur partly for reasons of economy. Because minerals are not plentiful in Norfolk, the most has to be made of them.

The only waste is silt, albeit a fairly staggering 20,000 tons a year from Middleton Aggregates alone. But also, we learned that the mineral extraction industry in Britain is heavily regulated. Several agencies are involved, with County Councils holding Mineral Strategies covering a 15-year period. All producers must abide by rules on permissible levels of extraction and land restoration for at least five years after quarries are exhausted. The Environment Agency issues licenses and keeps a watch on certain aspects of production such as silt lagoons.

However, there are also some downsides. So-called poor-quality aggregates

– which is how the Norfolk material is classed – are being used to underpin roads and houses. Each domestic house has some 200 tons of aggregates in its foundations. While waste in terms of the industry is minimal, the more we looked at the geology, the more apparent it became that we are squandering ancient and increasingly scarce earth resources – for what?

Above: Shaun Fraser drawing.

Re-evaluate

Surely with the growing quantities of waste products in other industries such as plastics, we have alternatives we can use for bulking out building projects. And yet, extraordinary landscapes built from layer upon layer of ancient earth history are being scraped apart. The geological context made all of us rethink the value of the material. That re-evaluation also made a deep impression on each artist.

Through the works made on their residencies, each person revealed some new detail, an insight to make us realise this is not waste to be trampled on, but an earth resource to be used with care, economy and respect.

For 2022, we are using what we learned last year to frame the next phase which is called: Extraction: Loss and Restoration.

Local residency projects will be accompanied by an exhibition featuring works which tell big extraction stories from elsewhere by Darren Almond and Onya McCausland. We are hoping that our projects – and discussions arising from them – will contribute to the wider stories of how extracted materials are viewed, and used.

H

ave you spotted these eye-catching leads on our furry models recently? Or perhaps you’ve caught sight of another goodlooking pooch strutting their stuff around the Norfolk Coast AONB wearing the latest in environmentally friendly canine fashion?

They are part of a collaboration between the Norfolk Coast Partnership and The Wash and North Norfolk Marine Partnership designed to help spread the ‘Enjoy Respect Protect’ message, which is part of the Coastal Code.

Leads were distributed to nature reserves, tourist information hubs and animal welfare and enforcement providers in the Wash and North West Norfolk project area.

The aim was to encourage dog owners

to reflect on their dog-control responsibilities and using these leads to help spread the word on preventing unnecessary wildlife disturbance by their pets.

The project, funded by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Habitats Monitoring and Mitigation Fund also helped businesses design the content of their websites to help spread useful messages about dog access on Norfolk’s beaches and nature reserves.

If you use a lead and would like your own furry friend to be a star on our social media, please tag us @NorfolkAONB #CoastalCode.

Leads are available along the coast via the locations listed above.

The full coastal code can be found here: www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/exploring/ coastal-code.

12 NATURE

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

Running up that hill First time visitor Ed Foss explains what it’s like to walk around Wild Ken Hill on a guided tour.

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here is innovation afoot at Wild Ken Hill. And it runs through every part of the business.

This is an ambitious, forward-looking project to restore nature, fight climate change and grow healthy food on a farm between the villages of Heacham and Snettisham in West Norfolk.

As a first-time visitor, it’s the engagement part of the project that is clear immediately.

The family and estate director are on hand to give us the initial brief about the land, their theories and why they are leading this very public-facing project.

The project is three-pronged: traditional conservation; rewilding; and regenerative agriculture.

I walked in knowing a fair bit about the traditional conservation and rewilding elements of the project – media articles, BBC Springwatch, friends who had explained some of the detail – but very little about the regenerative agriculture element.

Regen farming as it’s known in the trade allows for good yields to be pur-

sued, while also storing carbon in the soil, boosting biodiversity and improving water courses. For many, it is an absolutely necessary future. For others, it is something of a mystery.

The Wild Ken Hill team may be very keen on their public engagement, but crucially on a wider level they are completely data-driven, gathering all sorts of useful scientific information as they carry out their wide range of activities.

They sample soil to ensure its health, use weather stations to work out when they don’t need to spray (which is costly both financially and environmentally), drill multiple seeds precisely in one pass using new tech, mix cash and cover crops, massively reduce soil compaction caused by machinery, combine varieties which increases disease resistance, the list goes on.

Visiting farmers can sometimes be taken aback by some of these approaches, and not everyone will be immediately convinced.

But when it comes to the numbers, particularly the pound signs, the fact is that

Guided tours at Wild Ken Hill

the less you spend on chemicals, the less you need to sell your product for. It’s not all about the income, it’s also about the outgoings and thus the profit. And your soil is healthier to boot, retaining more water, supporting more diversity and behaving like it ‘should’ do. And your food is of a higher quality, so can demand a greater margin.

And the soil? As a long-term allotment holder, I can tell you by sight and by smell, it’s a million miles better than the usual soil you see in a heavily sprayed, heavily worked farmer’s field. And the data being gathered by the folk at Wild Ken Hill supports that rather romantic notion with fulsome factual detail.

Heading now towards the rewilding areas, some of the things we saw on this tour seemed very simple, but have much more in-depth explanations.

This is just a selection – go online to see the full range THE BIG PICTURE

This tour offers the Big Picture view of the diverse, seasonal activities at Wild Ken Hill, experiencing the different ways the estate works with nature.

First, you’ll explore the ground beneath your feet, learning how to grow food sustainably with the soil’s best interest in mind. You might take a spade to examine soil structure, revisit hedgerows, or see the startling impact of cover crops such as clover.

Moving through the rewilding area you’ll understand the marvellous work done by the wandering grazing species – Exmoor ponies, Tamworth pigs and Red Poll cattle. In line with the seasons your guide will highlight key wildlife during your visit, be it browsing deer, colourful plants, or peeping songbirds, each benefiting from the return of land to nature.

Whilst the resident nocturnal beavers will most likely be at rest, you’ll see evidence of their inexhaustible efforts which benefit the wetlands.

Down towards the sweeping vista of the sea, you’ll discover the importance of

The Wash and its marsh for the wading birds of the Norfolk coast. According to the time of year, you might see any number of Curlew, Lapwing, Avocet, and learn how these breeding birds gain from the incredible surroundings.

In the woodland, you’ll look at the astonishing variety of habitats it provides, for flowers and fungi, butterflies and bats, as well as the significance of deadwood and glades. On the Ken Hill Plain, abundant with purple heather, you’ll learn about the vast abundance of the species who call it home.

BEAVERS

This tour offers the opportunity to learn how and why Wild Ken Hill reintroduced Norfolk’s first beavers for hundreds of years. You’ll go into the 50 acre enclosure with an expert guide and see just how these remarkable mammals are tailoring the landscape to their choosing.

Wandering through the tangly and

Wild Ken Hill reintroduced beavers to Norfolk (below); Aerial display from a Marsh Harrier (right).

Dominic Buscall, Wild Ken Hill manager

wet woodland, you’ll be able to see the intricate dams and structures they have created, the highly visible signs of their feeding, and maybe the other wildlife including ducks, birds, water voles who are enjoying sharing a home with this keystone species.

Whilst the beavers are occasionally out and about in the day, they are nevertheless largely nocturnal so it is unlikely you will be able to make their actual acquaintance. Your guide will regale the times they were lucky enough to see the creatures out on their daily patrol, the excitement as the beavers were released into the new enclosure, and why it’s so important that we reinstate this animal in the UK.

REWILDING IN PRACTICE

This tour captures a moment in time: Wild Ken Hill in the early stages of its rewilding journey, asking what rewilding really means on the ground.

Intended as a deeper dive into ‘rewilding’, you will discover its impact in lowland England, how returning land to nature works in practice, and the array of benefits that occur when Nature is allowed to follow its own course.

At the edge of a rewilding field are a series of marks in the earth, holes and ruts. These are where the Tamworth pigs have expertly rooted around for food – worms and vegetation. There’s a clear line in the field where the pigs have stopped their rooting and the field is undisturbed by their activity into the distance. Why? The area of activity is the old unploughed field margin, where there has been historic biodiversity – i.e. a great area for fresh ‘wild’ pig food. The untouched area is the old cropped field, where biodiversity has been so poor, but is now growing thanks to the new management approach adopted back in 2019.

And five minutes later? We meet the actual pigs that have shown this difference. Huge but friendly, glancing up at us half-interested before going back to their efficient and endless ground rooting.

We don’t see the Exmoor ponies or Red Poll cattle, but evidence of their activity and their impact on the landscape can be seen and explained by the expert eye of our guides.

And then we enter the 50-acre beaver enclosure, perhaps Wild Ken Hill’s most well-known venture. We see no beavers unsurprisingly, but evidence of their treechomping behaviour is immediately obvious, with one tree near the locked entrance completely ring-barked.

The fauna – there have also been releases of a large marsh grasshopper population and curlews – are for many the pinnacle of this project because they are visual.

But underneath what looks like messy scrub there are other regenerations happening.

As the old saying goes, The Thorn is the Mother of the Oak. Wild Ken Hill is an astonishing place to visit. If you can’t get there in person there is a very good website at wildkenhill.co.uk and an active blog.

A wide variety of tours can be booked at wildkenhill.co.uk/guided-tours. Just remember this is a private site, tours need to be booked in advance.

Your guide will explain how this marginal land was managed historically and how it is now making way for nature’s own structure. You’ll look at the scrub margins next to the hedgerow and focus on its importance to birds, insects, and other wildlife, as well as its ability to carbon capture.

Naturalistic grazing in the rewilding landscape will be another theme, as your guide explains the approach in decisions introducing Exmoor ponies, Red Poll cattle and Tamworth pigs, and the phenomenal impact they are already having on vegetation structure.

You’ll also visit the home of some of Norfolk’s only Beavers, reviewing the tangible benefits from this keystone species.

Wandering through the Wild Ken Hill woods, your guide will explain the value of the rare habitats present here: glorious woodland pasture, and the adjacent, open heathland.

Many of the tours journey through uneven terrain so access for wheelchair users is limited in some locations. For further access guidance visit www.wildkenhill.co.uk/access or email hello@wildkenhill.co.uk

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14 NATURE

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

A coming together for nature’s benefit The Norfolk Coastline is home to a mosaic of habitats that are recognised for their beauty by both residents and visitors to the area, as Sarah Juggins explains.

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hether it is iconic grazing marshes, the crunchy shingle beaches, the ever-shifting sand dunes, the evocative call of curlew over the saltmarsh, the peaceful wood pastures or one of the other host of habitats in the area, the Norfolk Coast provides a diverse and distinctive environment that - even at a superficial level – has obvious cultural and environmental interest and value.

Dig a little deeper and the value of this landscape becomes even more significant.

The Norfolk Coast is home to a number of ‘priority’ species – insects, birds, animals and plants. These are species that are threatened with extinction in the UK, or are nationally rare or restricted to this area. In addition, the range of landscapes, with their unique features have a part to play in addressing environmental issues such as carbon capture and flood management. These are just some of the factors that make this area of the UK internationally recognised as a unique natural environment.

A fact that often goes unnoticed among the wider population is that the diverse

habitats found along the Norfolk Coast are a result of two forces: nature and land managers - farmers, conservation groups and government agencies to name but a few. It is the work of all these entities that has made the Norfolk Coastline what it is, but the question is now: How is that coastline maintained and enhanced to bring even greater environmental, cultural and economic benefit?

Collaboration

Finding the answer to that question has brought together an unlikely set of bedfellows. Academics, researchers, conservationists, environmentalists, government agencies, local authorities and farmers/ landowners have come together under the umbrella name of the North Norfolk Coastal Group (NNCG). This innovative partnership of both public and private organisations has been instrumental in sourcing the funding needed to bring cutting-edge science to the Norfolk Coast.

The long-term aim of the group is to help the people managing the land along the coast to maintain and enhance the habitats as biodiverse and productive

landscapes. To do that however, the land managers need information and evidence of success that will help with decisionmaking in the future.

This is where the expertise of the research team at the University of East Anglia (UEA) comes into play. Working with the landowners and farmers, as well as groups such as the Norfolk Coast Partnership, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, RSPB, National Trust, Natural England, and the Norfolk Rivers Trust, the UEA Research team is preparing a biodiversity audit.

The UEA-developed Biodiversity Audit is a framework for conservation management which seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the full spectrum of species inhabiting a region.

Key actions

In addition to information about habitat requirements of different species, the Audit also identifies key actions that can be taken on the ground that will benefit large numbers of priority species. This information will be crucial for landowners as they make decisions about land management techniques. It can come

Cattle on the grazing marsh

down to something as simple as when to cut hay, where to graze cattle or when to shut areas of habitat off to the public – to protect land-nesting birds or rare plant species.

Direct support

Paul Dolman, Professor of Conservation Ecology at UEA highlights that ‘working in partnership with land managers and farmers ensures the knowledge we bring together is used to directly support conservation, benefitting both wildlife and society’.

It’s exciting work because it will provide information that leads to improvements in biodiversity levels. It is also exciting because it demonstrates an appetite and willingness among different organisations to pool knowledge and resources to deliver rapid and positive results. It is a collaboration of goodwill that can only complement the force of nature.

David Lyles is Chair of the Norfolk Norfolk Coastal Group. He reflects on the work carried out so far: ‘At the time of writing, UEA are processing the reports

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NATURE 15

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

Supporting farmers, supporting nature

A Marshes near the village of Cley

for the North Norfolk Coast Biodiversity Audit to be published in May. It has been a privilege to work with so many different organisations, landowners, and land managers and not least the UEA in a united, collaborative and scientific way for the benefit of nature in our local area.’

n exciting and innovative new source of funding and advice has been made available to landowners and land managers within England’s Protected Landscapes (National Parks & Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

The programme, developed by Defra as part of the Agricultural Transition Plan, is delivered locally through the Norfolk Coast Partnership and Broads Authority, to support farmers and land managers in carrying out projects that support the natural environment, mitigate the impacts of climate change, provide public access opportunities, support naturefriendly businesses, and/ or conserve or enhance historic or landscape features.

FiPL can offer grants of between £2,000 and £50,000 for one-off projects that are not already funded by an agri-environment scheme. It is important to note that carrying out a project through this programme will not affect your ability to enter the new environmental land management schemes.

Some exciting projects already supported include creating and restoring freshwater marsh on Holkham National

Nature Reserve as part of a wider project covering several kilometres of habitat between National Trust land at Cley and at Wild Ken Hill near Snettisham.

We have funded innovative farm machinery that can be used between adjoining farms to spread the benefits for climate and nature and funded a new base for conservation volunteers at Deepdale Farm. FiPL has also funded the dredging of Cley Harbour to improve access, increase opportunities for people to explore, enjoy and understand the landscape, and make the landscape more resilient to climate change.

We would welcome enquiries from landowners and land managers wanting to undertake projects that would benefit climate, nature, people and place and are able to discuss project ideas with you before an application is made.

The Programme runs until March 2024. To find out more visit the Norfolk Coast Partnership website www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/project/farming-in-protected-landscapes or contact Ed Stocker (Farming in Protected Landscapes Advisor) via email: mailto:Fipl@broadsnorfolkcoast.co.uk or telephone 01603 222218.

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Tel:01553 812000 www.war www.beersofeurope.co.uk ouseantiques.co.uk areh .thew www 01553 812000 sales@beersofeurope.co.uk SETCHEY, King’s| Lynn PE33 0BE Wheelchair k sofeurope.co.u .beer www Friendly PE33 0BE Garage Lane, Setchey, (Just off the A10 - turn at JSWKing’s Car Sales) Lynn, Norfolk www.thesteiffshop.com www.beersofeurope.co.uk Tel:01553 812000 www.warehouseantiques.co.uk Well behaved dogs welcome in Antique & Steiff Shop

www.thewarehouseantiques.co.uk www.beersofeurope.co.uk www.thesteiffshop.com

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Hemblington

From boating-and-eatingexploring-the-Broads Cottages To soup-by-the-fire-till-we’reall-fully-thawed Cottages Find your original Norfolk escape at

www.norfolkcottages.co.uk

Keepers Cottage Ref 1781

NATURE 17

Photo: www.shutterstock.com/Nigel J. Harris

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

Photo: www.shutterstock.com/Charles Bowman

A sanderling pecking at a mussel shell.

Photo: www.shutterstock.com/IanC66

Living together side by side

Norfolk’s Two Chalk Rivers Project In the simplest of terms, rivers are the arteries which connect the land to the sea.

There is national and international concern about the condition of our rivers.

While many are home to a diverse range of habitats and species, it is generally accepted that all our rivers could be improved.

involving up to 61 local vessels and three processing plants, with an annual value in the region of £2.5 million. These fisheries have supported generations of fishing families in King’s Lynn and Boston, making them integral to the cultural heritage of the Wash and North Norfolk Coast.

Above: A fishing trawler returning along the Great Ouse River to its harbour near King’s Lynn and a Harbour Seal on the beach

Environmentally friendly

Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (Eastern IFCA) manage this fishery in partnership with fishermen and Natural England. This involves developing a suite of management measures to achieve a viable and environmentally low-impact fishery. Measures include quotas that stipulate the maximum amount of cockle and mussel that

Although every river is different, they typically have a similar set of problems – straightened away from their original courses for easier management, disconnected habitats, damaging phosphate and nitrate loading and a lack of natural flow.

Norfolk’s Rivers Hun and Stiffkey are two of only 210 rare chalk rivers worldwide, valued globally, and important to local communities.

Norfolk Coast Partnership (NCP) is working with Norfolk Rivers Trust (NRT) this year and into 2023 to improve the habitats of the two rivers under the project title Norfolk’s Two Chalk Rivers, funded by the Green Recovery Challenge Fund.

NRT, proven experts in river and catchment restoration, will deliver the capital

can be sustainably fished each year thus ensuring sufficient food for the dependent wading bird populations, spatial restrictions to minimise disturbance to birds and seals, and technical measures to limit physical impacts on habitats. The aim is to create a managed co-existence between fisheries and wildlife. A balance if you will.

The Wash and North Norfolk Coast supports much of the English harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) population – one of the species protected under law as part of the Special Area of Conservation. One of the impacts to the harbour seal that must be considered is disturbance caused by human activity. The seals are particularly vulnerable to disturbance during the

Photo: www.shutterstock.com/Dronegraphica

T

he Wash is the largest embayment on the east coast of England and is a very special place for both nature and people. The importance of the area for many different species and their habitats means that it is a heavily designated Marine Protected Area including as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Special Areas of Conservation are designated to help conserve species and habitats that are considered most in need of protection at a European level.

As well as being a haven for wildlife, the Wash is also home to nationally important cockle and mussel fisheries. The cockle beds are a vital part of the local economy, supporting a fishery

Aerial view of Coastal Salt Marshes at Stiffkey

breeding season (June-August), where it may cause interrupted suckling of pups and separation from mothers.

The Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) carries out annual aerial surveys during the harbour seal breeding (June) and moult seasons (August); the latter being when the adults renew their hair and spend a lot of time on the sand banks. This data provides information about population and lets us know which areas of The Wash are most important for the seals. Work is currently ongoing to map the areas of the Wash that are most important to seals using multiple years of data, which will improve the accuracy of the seal haul-out mapping. The outputs will better inform fishery assessments, ensuring viable cockle and mussel beds remain open as long as there is no likely risk of disturbance to significant seal haul-out sites between June and August.

A win-win

This work, carried out in partnership between Natural England, SMRU and Eastern IFCA will better inform the decisions around what management may be required around seal haul-out sites in the future. This will ensure that the cockle fishery can continue to thrive without causing unnecessary disturbance to the seals, so that the two can co-exist side by side for many more years to come. A winwin for nature and people.

Minimising seal disturbance in all its forms is crucial to ensure these animals thrive, so if you’re visiting the coast, please ensure you watch from a distance, keep your dogs on a lead and follow local guidance to minimise disturbance to all wildlife.

works. NCP will deliver project management, administration, interpretation, a community programme and co-ordinate the volunteers.

There will be physical works on the ground once all permissions have been granted. And there will also be free learning opportunities for the public as the project progresses.

NCP will organise events including river walks before, during and after restoration; workshops about identifying key species, river fly surveys and photography as a recording tool; and making films about the works.

For more information about the project or to register for workshops, please visit norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/project/the-norfolks-two-chalk-rivers.

18 NATURE

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

Showcasing Natural Norfolk

The Iron Reef viewing platform by design studio Maetherea for the Reedham Ferry Inn site

T

he EXPERIENCE Project has been working hard to support new, iconic and placemaking tourism attractions in Norfolk.

The aim is to showcase Norfolk as a yearround destination, attracting visitors to explore beyond the traditional summer season. EXPERIENCE focuses on enhancing the natural assets of Norfolk, developing and improving cycling and walking trails, telling the stories of Norfolk through outdoor art and trail information, as well as developing ideas for activities and itineraries en route. The Project seeks to showcase ‘Natural Norfolk’ and highlight Norfolk’s less well-known history, heritage, and creativity.

THE CROMER ECHINOID SHELTER

Building on the successes of the Cromer Museum and in consultation with local stakeholders, plans are underway for a striking multi-functional shelter at North Lodge Park. The shelter is inspired by the shape of Echinoid fossils (remains of ancient sea urchins) that are commonly found on nearby beaches. Situated in a prime cliff top location with commanding views over the beach and North Sea, the shelter will provide an additional yearround visitor attraction on the Norfolk Coast Path and Deep History Coast trail as well as providing a focal point for group activities or local artists, musicians, and performers.

The striking new Cromer Shelter is inspired by the shape of sea urchin fossils (above).

A new observatory at Hunstanton will help residents celebrate the wonder of clear night skies (right).

DARK SKY DISCOVERIES AT HUNSTANTON

Project EXPERIENCE has been working with colleagues at the Borough Coun-

Deer Safari Park & Farming Attraction

the Norfolk Way Art Trail here www.creativegiants.art/norfolkwayarttrail.

THE EXPERIENCE PROJECT

EXPERIENCE is an ambitious €23.3 million project delivering innovative and sustainable growth with a new approach to tourism. The project aims to extend the tourism season by attracting off-season visitors (October to March) and is working across six pilot regions in the UK and France: Norfolk, Kent, Cornwall, Brittany, Pas-de-Calais, and Compiègne.

The project focuses on supporting and promoting experiential travel, which is a growing movement in tourism. Modern travellers are looking for unusual, interactive experiences and authentic insight into daily life different to their own. Our region is brimming with wildlife, scenery, tradition, history, gastronomy and architecture which form an ideal basis for the development of world-class experiential tourism products. New tourism products will feel genuine, unique and immersive to attract visitors in off-season.

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Seasonal activities:

www.snettishampark.co.uk

A vibrant new Art Trail for Norfolk will enhance and promote Norfolk’s cycle and walking routes through the placement of high quality and innovative outdoor art installations. The public art along the trail offers a new free activity and yearround interest for visitors from inside and outside the county.

The long-distance route spans 250 miles and has been designed to pass through locations off the beaten track, celebrating the unique natural & cultural assets our county has to offer.

Norfolk County Council is commissioning high quality artwork designs which demonstrate innovative approaches to engaging visitors, are sustainably and environmentally aware, and provide good value for money. You can read all about the community participation that has taken place for this project by visiting

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THE NORFOLK WAY ART TRAIL

cil of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk with support from the King’s Lynn and District Astronomy Society to entice visitors with a new observatory at Hunstanton.

Long-standing expert observatory manufacturer Outsideology has been commissioned to create this new, solar-powered observatory; the art of stargazing will reach dizzying new heights and the observatory will be handed over to the Borough Council once completed. This centre can then be used as a space for events and workshops as well as night-time gazing for Astro tourists. It will be a permanent community asset for residents and tap into growing demands to celebrate the wonder of clear night skies and the importance of understanding how all kinds of pollution can obscure these views. It will provide a unique experience in celebrating Norfolk’s immense dark winter skies.

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info@pantherbrewery.co.uk Way, Reepham, Norfolk, NR10 4SW info@pantherbrewery.co.uk Way, Reepham, Norfolk, NR10 4 01603 871163 Brewery: Online Online shop: Pick up direct from shop: Pick up direct fromshop: shop: HOW TO ORDER Online shop: shop: Pick up direct fromshop: shop: Pick direct from! shop: Unit 1, Collers Online Pick up up direct from shop: ! : Online shop: Pick up direct from: shop: Online www.pantherbrewery.co.uk Panther Brewery, Unit 1, Collers Brewery, Unit 1, Collers ! Panther : www.pantherbrewery.co.uk !Mobile: : ! : www.pantherbrewery.co.uk Email us:Brewery, 07766Reepham, 558215 Unit 1, Panther UnitPanther 1, Collers Brewery, Unit 1, www.pantherbrewery.co.uk Collers www.pantherbrewery.co.uk Panther Brewery, Collers www.pantherbrewery.co.uk Way, NR10 4SW ' Brewery: +4SW Way, Reepham, Norfolk,Norfolk, NR10 Way, Reepham, Norfolk, 4SWNorfolk, NR10 4SW 01603 871163 info@pantherbrewery.co.uk Way,NR10 Reepham, Way, Reepham, Norfolk, NR10 4SW Way, Reepham, Norfolk, NR10 4SW

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From wetlands to grasslands, woodlands to farmlands, we have over 700 acres of diverse habitats to explore.

Wildlife Walks

Cafe & Shop

pensthorpe.com Fakenham, NR21 0LN

Beautiful gardens

Get closer to Nature

01328 851465

North Norfolk Safaris

20 OUT & ABOUT

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

Explore and observe the natural habitat of North Norfolk by classic Land Rover with renowned filmmaker and director Martin Hayward Smith. www.northnorfolksafaris.co.uk v @north_norfolk_safaris

HOLT ANTIQUES & INTERIORS North Norfolk’s largest antiques & interiors centre.

Open 7 days: 10-5pm & Sun 11-4pm.

Thornage Rd, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6SU 01263 478110

High Street Cley-next-the-Sea High Street Cley-next-the-Sea Norfolk NR25 7RF High Street Cley-next-the-Sea Norfolk NR25 7RF 01263NR25 740134 Norfolk 01263 7401347RF email740134 madeincley@aol.com 01263 email madeincley@aol.com www.madeincley.co.uk email madeincley@aol.com www.madeincley.co.uk Instagram: made_in_cley www.madeincley.co.uk

Gooderstone

Water Gardens

And don’t miss our Easter Bunny Hunt, Fri 15th April - Mon 18th April Theatre in the Garden – Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, Sunday 17th July, 5:30pm Box Office: 03336 663366

Garden open every day all year from 10:30am5pm, and tearoom to the end of October if weather fair (to check call 01366 328118).

Card payments accepted. Location: 6 miles south west of Swaffham PE33 9BP, 5 mins from Oxburgh Hall (NT). Call 07730 551945

This map focuses on major trails. Several great long distance trails are omitted as they run mainly off the map and do not connect to the area of outstanding natural beauty: the Fen Rivers Way (King’s Lynn-Cambridge); Angles Way (Great Yarmouth-Thetford); Wherryman’s Way (Norwich-Great Yarmouth) and Boudicca Way (Norwich-Diss). Information on Norfolk Trails and public rights of way at norfolk.gov.uk/ out-and-about-in-norfolk. Map illustration by Kate Dougan © Crown copyright and database rights 2017 Ordnance Survey 100019340.

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2023 To advertise call on 01502 725865

Norfolk sea larder

Fresh fish | Cromer crab | Lobster | Plus lots more

Family run fishing business and shop open to the public.

Caught, processed and sold with in 24 hours of landing.

You can’t get fresher than that! Now in our tenth year of processing from our eco factory, the only one of its kind in Norfolk. Come and take a look.

New Hall Farm, NR24 2JF | 01263 862991 norfolkclarder@yahoo.com @Thefishlarder

A purr-fect present Unique handmade life like cats at the Winstanley Cat Pottery.

Prices from £4 to £90.

The Cat Pottery

10% off purchases on production of this voucher

Telephone: 01692 402962 1 Grammer School Road, North Walsham, Norfolk NR28 9JH Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

HERITAGE RAILWAYS North Norfolk Railway (The Poppy Line) The Station, Sheringham.

T: 01263 820800 W: nnrailway.co.uk A full size steam and diesel railway by the sea with stations at Sheringham, Weybourne & Holt.

Wells & Walsingham Light Railway Stiffkey Rd, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1QB T: 01328 711630 W: wwlr.co.uk The longest 101/4” gauge railway in the world.

Open April 6 - October 28.

Bure Valley Railway Norwich Rd, Aylsham & Coltishall Rd, Wroxham.

T: 01263 733858 W: bvrw.co.uk East Anglia’s longest narrow gauge railway mainly operated by steam locomotives. Open weekends through March and every day from April - October.

Photo: www.shutterstock.com/Martin Charles Hatch

What could be nicer than to stroll through an enchanting garden, explore the nature trail, perhaps spot a kingfisher and enjoy delicious homemade cakes?

OUT & ABOUT 21

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

Fishing from Wells all year round Call Ben on: 07990 518337 ben@norfolkseafishingtrips.com

Beginners and children welcome Fishing from £25 per person

BIRCHAM WINDMILL www.birchamwindmill.co.uk

“A delightful family day out”

Windmill Museum Bakery • Tearooms Kid’s Play Area Bake your own loaf Gallery • Gift Shop Accommodation: Shepherds Huts, Campsite.

Open daily Easter to Sept 30th

T: 01485 578393 E: info@birchamwindmill.co.uk Great Bircham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 6SJ

HAM

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LSI N G

A big day out on the world’s smallest public railway* Open every day from 19 March to 30 October

Trains from April to October th and event info Pleasethsee website for timetable

* 4s

and under go free!

01328 711630

BUSES TO THE COAST CH1 (Coasthopper) Wells - Blakeney Sheringham - The Runtons - Cromer (Daily) Sanders Coaches CH2/5 Cromer - Overstrand - Mundesley North Walsham (Daily) Sanders Coaches 1 Winterton - Hemsby - Caister Great Yarmouth (Mon - Sat) First.

X55 North Walsham - Coltishall Norwich (Daily) Sanders Coaches.

6 North Walsham - Stalham - Great Yarmouth (Mon - Sat) Sanders Coaches.

6A North Walsham - Roughton - Cromer (Mon - Sat) Sanders Coaches.

9 Sheringham to Fakenham (Daily) Sanders Coaches.

21 North Elmham - Dereham (Mon-Sat) Konectbus.

27 Fakenham - South Creake - North Creake (Mon-Fri) Sanders Coaches X29 Fakenham - Pensthorpe Norwich (Daily) First 33 Cromer - Northrepps - Southrepps North Walsham (Mon-Fri) Our Bus

34 North Walsham - Happisburgh Sea Palling - Stalham (Mon-Fri) Sanders Coaches.

34/35/36 King’s Lynn - Dersingham - Sandringham (35 only) - Heacham Hunstanton (Daily) Lynxbus 36 (Coastliner) King’s Lynn Hunstanton - Burnham Market Wells - Fakenham (Daily) Lynxbus 44 Holt - Bodham - Sheringham (Daily) Sanders Coaches.

44A/X44 Sheringham - Cromer - Aylsham Norwich (Daily) Sanders Coaches.

45 Holt - Melton Constable - Norwich (Mon-Sat) Sanders Coaches.

46 Holt- Cley-next-to-Sea - Blakeney Binham (Mon-Sat) Sanders Coaches.

“Always A Warm Welcome”

WWW.FAKENHAMGOLFCLUB.CO.UK

“Probably The Best 9 Hole Golf Course in Norfolk”

01328 862867 / 01328 855678

LAKESIDE RIDING CENTRE

Art Courses

Drawing | Painting | Craft | Print

structured courses taught by experienced artists and tutors for all levels

Please check individual timetables for bus times and stops.

www.wellswalsinghamrailway.co.uk wwlr.co.uk

Church Hill School | 71 Gayton Road |Grimston |Norfolk | PE32 1BG

P: 01485 240 420 | E: art@norfolkcreativearts.co.uk

www.norfolkcreativearts.co.uk

We offer unique and thrilling off-road riding through fields, woodland and tracks at the 5000 acre, Worstead Estate. To avoid disappointment, we recommend that you book in advance.

Call for information on pricing.

07747 464775 www.lakesideridingcentre.com

W

LIGHT RAILWAY

TO

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WELLS & WALSINGHAM 8.16

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022 Deepdale Cafe 3 Dalegate Market, Main Road, Burnham Deepdale PE31 8FB T: 01485 210200 W: deepdale-cafe.co.uk

ARTNERSHIP I P T N AS

N TIO AC

NORFOL KC O

22 LOCAL PRODUCTS

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Try out the live map of local producers on our web-based directory. It’s all there at norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk LOCAL PRODUCERS

Bagthorpe Farm Organic Bircham, King’s Lynn PE31 6QY M: 07956 452769 W: bagthorpefarm.co.uk E: nick@bagthorpefarm.co.uk Organic vegetables grown on the farm.

Abbey Farm Dairy Warham Road, Binham NR21 0DG M: 07776 232440 / 07768 510220 W: abbeyfarmdairy.co.uk E: w.wales@farming.co.uk Raw milk straight from the dairy.

Bircham Windmill Great Bircham PE31 6SJ T: 01485 578393 W: birchamwindmill.co.uk E: info@birchamwindmill.co.uk Hand-baked goods and own sheep cheeses.

Asparagus Marsham Wood Farm, Marsham NR10 5QQ T: 01603 754224 E: roger@craneandsons.co.uk Fresh asparagus (May-June).

Beeston Brewery Fransham Road Farm, Beeston PE32 2LZ T: 01328 700844 W: beestonbrewery.co.uk E: mark.riches@beestonbrewery.co.uk Bottles and casks direct from the brewery.

Bray’s Pork Pies 3 Bayfield Brecks, Holt NR25 7DZ T: 01263 712958 W: perfectpie.co.uk E: info@perfectpie.co.uk Hand made pies from own free-range pigs.

Brancaster Brewery c/o The Jolly Sailors PE31 8BJ T: 01485 210314 W: jollysailorsbrancaster.co.uk/ brancaster-brewery E: info@jollysailorsbrancaster.co.uk Small batches of high quality real ale.

Breck Farm Weybourne NR25 6QL T: 01263 588236 W: breckfarm.co.uk E: camping@breckfarm.co.uk Fruit and vegetables available in season.

Briston Aberdeen Angus Beef Hawthorn Farm, Briston NR24 2JQ T: 01263 862734 Top quality Aberdeen Angus Beef.

Causeway Butchers Causeway Farm, Sea Palling Road, Ingham NR12 0TP T: 01692 580886 W: facebook.com/causewayfarm butchers.ingham Traditional butchers shop.

Cley Smokehouse High Street, Cley-next-the-Sea NR25 7RF T: 01263 740282 W: cleysmokehouse.com E: enquiries@cleysmokehouse.com Freshly smoked fish, shellfish, cured meats.

Crush Foods The Crushing Shed, Park Farm Salle NR10 4SG T: 01263 805009 W: crush-foods.com E: hello@crush-foods.com Cold pressed rapeseed oil, infused oils, dressings, sauces and granola.

Davies’ Fish Shop 7 Garden Street, Cromer NR27 9HN T: 01263 512727 W: facebook.com/daviesfishshop E: DVClai5@aol.com Cromer crab, lobsters, cockles, whelks and a range of wet fish.

Ferndale Norfolk Cheeses The White Cottage, Little Barningham NR11 7AG T: 01263 577640 W: ferndalefarmnorfolkcheeses.co.uk E: arthurferndalefarm@gmail.com Cheeses and seasonal vegetables.

Blakeney Crab Shed 63 New Road, Blakeney NR25 7PA T: 01263 740988 Shellfish, homemade crab cakes and more.

Gt Snoring free range eggs Great Snoring NR21 0HW T: 01328 820351 Free range hen, quail, duck and goose eggs.

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2023 To advertise call on 01502 725865

Serving lovely food to lovely people.

We deliver local shellfish from pot to plate in a laid back environment.

We believe in enjoying the simpler things in life!

Leith House Orchards

.

Between Burnham Market & Wells-next-the-Sea PE31 8JL www.leithorchards.com

Letheringsett Mill Flour Letheringsett Water Mill NR25 7YD T: 01263 713153 W: letheringsettwatermill.co.uk E: info@letheringsettwatermill.co.uk Wholewheat, spelt and other flour.

Westons of Blakeney 5A Westgate Street, Blakeney NR25 7NQ T: 01263 741112 Fresh shellfish, fish, homemade produce.

Norfolk Saffron Based at Burnham Norton W: norfolksaffron.co.uk E: sally@norfolksaffron.co.uk Norfolk grown Saffron produce.

LOCAL PRODUCE SHOPS

Norfolk Heatwave Products Unit 6, North Norfolk Business Centre, Northrepps, NR26 8PJ M: 07733 991211 W: norfolkheatwave.com E: glynkirpalani@yahoo.co.uk Homemade hot chilli pepper products.

Algy’s Farm Shop Bintree NR20 5PW T: 01362 683893 W: algys.co.uk E: info@algys.co.uk Algy’s popcorn and seasonal farm produce.

A Howell Shops Wells area T: 01328 710228 W: arthurhowell.com Local and homemade produce.

Papworth Butchers 46 Station Road, Sheringham NR26 8RG T: 01263 823189 W: papworthbutchers.co.uk E: info@papworthbutchers.co.uk Quality meats from own farm.

Poppyland Brewery Chesterfield Lodge, West Street, Cromer NR27 9DT T: 01263 515214 M: 07802 160558 W: poppylandbeer.com E: dave@poppylandbrewery.com Award winning unfiltered real ales.

07920 016405 www.wellsbikehire.co.uk

Wolterton Road Itteringham NR117AF

Open 7 days a week Shop, Cafe, Delicatessen Post Office

A shop In the heart of the Village since 1637.

The Tacons Farmshop The Grange, Rollesby NR29 5AJ T: 01493 740236 W: thetacons.co.uk E: office@thetacons.co.uk Homegrown produce and PYO in season.

Whin Hill Cider The Ciderworks, Stearman’s Yard, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1BW T: 01328 711821 M: 0776 9571423 W: whinhillnorfolkcider.co.uk E: shop@whinhillnorfolkcider.co.uk Norfolk cider, perry and apple juice.

The Village Shop

Cromer Rd, West Runton, NR27 9QA

Salthouse Beef Manor House Farm, Cross Street, Salthouse NR25 7XH T: 01263 740497 E: farm@manorhouse100.plus.com Traditional rare breed Red Poll beef.

Norfolk Lavender Heacham, Norfolk, PE31 7LE T: 01485 570384 W: norfolk-lavender.co.uk E: info@norfolk-lavender.co.uk Products from pure lavender oil or lavender flowers from their own fields

Repairs and Servicing

07848 045607 w w w.rockybottoms.co.uk

Sandringham Apple Juice Sandringham Estate, PE31 6BY W: sandringhamapplejuice.co.uk T: 07810 310757 Apple juice, cider and pick your own apples during season.

The Norfolk Brewhouse Moon Gazer Barn, Harvest Lane, Hindringham, Fakenham NR21 0PW T: 01328 878495 W: moongazerale.co.uk E: info@moongazerale.co.uk Beer brewed on site.

Mrs Temple’s Cheese Wighton, Wells-next-the-sea, NR32 1NY T: 01328 820224 E: orders@mrstemplescheese.co.uk W: Facebook @MrsTemplesCheese Handmade using milk from own cows.

Wells Bike Hire

Fresh Plums, Gages, Damsons & Artisanal Products NEW Enjoy local beer, wine & cider whilst sitting amongst the trees.

Mid July - Mid September Open 7days a week 10am - 4.30pm

Leith House Orchard Burnham Overy Town, Kings Lynn PE31 8JL T: 07881 378900 W: leithorchards.com E: info@leithorchards.com Norfolk plum and apple orchard.

Morton’s Free Range Poultry Whitwell Hall Farms, Skeyton NR10 5AY T: 01692 538067 W: mortonsfarm.co.uk E: enquiries@mortonsfarm.co.uk Free range turkey and chicken.

Blueberries Fairgreen Farm, Middleton PE32 1RN M: 07928 533846 W: blueberrypicking.co.uk E: info@blueberrypicking.co.uk Pick-your-own blueberries (mid-July-Aug).

Simple shellfish canteen on the North Norfolk coast.

Hunstanton Ice Cream 17 The Green, Hunstanton PE36 5AH T: 01485 533108 W: hunstantonicecream.co.uk E: icecreamcompany@aol.com Hand-made ice cream.

01263 587325

Back to the Garden Farm Shop Letheringsett, Holt NR25 7JJ T: 01263 715996 W: back-to-the-garden.co.uk E: manager@back-to-the-garden.co.uk Fresh local food, organic produce, café.

Blakeney Delicatessen 30 High Street, Blakeney NR25 7AL T: 01263 740939 W: blakeneydeli.co.uk E: info@blakeneydeli.co.uk Seasonal local produce.

Cooks of Ingham Farmshop Boundary Farm, Ingham NR12 0TS T: 01692 598202

Dersingham Pottery & Gallery www.dersinghampottery.co.uk

pots + paintings prints + cards

Open most days - please ring or email if making a special journey

46 Chapel Road, Dersingham. PE31 6PN (1 mile Sandringham) Tel: 01485 540761 j_mullarkey@btconnect.com

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NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

Drove Orchards Ltd The Drove House, Thornham PE36 6LS T: 01485 525652 W: droveorchards.com E: hello@droveorchards.com Fruit, juices and vegetables grown on farm.

Frary Seafoods Wells Quay NR23 1AH M: 07901 656608 Fresh fish, shellfish. Stall on Wells Quay.

Groveland Farmshop Thorpe Market Road, Roughton NR11 8TB T: 01263 833777 W: grovelandfarmshop.co.uk E: admin@grovelandfarmshop.co.uk Wide range of produce.

H V Graves Butchers 24 Gladstone Place, Briston NR24 2LE T: 01263 860333 W: hvgraves.co.uk E: info@hvgraves.co.uk Butchers and hog roast catering.

Itteringham Community Shop Wolterton Road, Itteringham NR11 7AF T: 01263 587325 W: ourvillagestore.co.uk E: ourvillagestore@gmail.com A range of local produce.

Melton’s Farm Shop South Wootten, Kings Lynn, PE30 3HQ Family-run farm shop, butchery and deli.

Real Ale Shop Branthill Farm, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1SB T: 01328 710810 W: therealaleshop.co.uk E: norfolk@therealaleshop.co.uk Shop and beer garden with the finest selection of Norfolk Real Ales and our very own Malt Coast Craft Beer.

Stiffkey Stores Wells Road, Stiffkey, NR23 1QH T: 01328 830489 W: stiffkeystores.com E: info@stiffkeystores.com Selling local and organic produce. Coffee and home baked cakes in the cafe.

Tavern Tasty Meats Swafield, North Walsham NR28 0PG T: 01692 405444 E: taverntastymeats@gmail.com W: taverntasty.co.uk Accredited rare breeds butcher.

The Old Post Office Coast Road, Salthouse NR25 7AJ T: 01263 741618 Local produce including outlet for Manor Farm Beef.

Walsingham Farms Shop Guild Street, Walsingham NR22 6BU T: 01328 821877 W: walsingham.co E: info@walsingham.co Find us also at Norwich Market, Row F stalls 124 and 125, NR2 1ND. Grow local, eat local, love local.

M & M Rutland Butchers 13 Briston Rd, Melton Constable NR24 2DG T: 01263 860562 W: rutland-butchers.co.uk Free range local meat, dairy and homemade pies.

Weybourne Village Store 2 Beach Lane, Weyborne, Holt NR25 7SY T: 01263 588219 W: tideaway.org.uk/the-village-store E: susan.root2@yahoo.com Store and deli supplying local produce.

Norfolk Deli 16 Greevegate, Hunstanton PE36 6AA T: 01485 535540 W: norfolk-deli.co.uk E: info@norfolk-deli.co.uk Range of local produce.

Wiveton Hall Farmshop Wiveton Hall, Wiveton NR25 7TE T: 01263 740525 W: wivetonhall.co.uk E: office@wivetonhall.co.uk Café, farm shop and PYO in season.

RO T E C

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Humble Pie Deli Market Place, Burnham Market PE31 8HF T: 01328 738581 W: facebook.com/humblepiedeli E: humble.pie@btinternet.com Homemade jams, chutneys and cakes.

R E Y

SPECT

Creake Abbey Food Hall North Creake, NR21 9LF T: 01328 730399 W: creakeabbeycafe.com E: enquiries@creakeabbeycafe.com Craft shops and regular Farmers Market.

Picnic Fayre Old Forge, Cley-next-the-Sea NR25 7AP T: 01263 740587 W: picnic-fayre.co.uk E: enquiries@picnic-fayre.co.uk Delicatessen stocking local produce.

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Country Pickings Ltd 19 High Street, Mundesley NR11 8LH Fb: countrypickingsofmundesley T: 01263 720054 Locally grown fresh produce.

P&S Butchers 8 Bull Street, Holt NR25 6HP T: 01263 713227 W: pandsbutchers.co.uk Local meat and game.

ENJO

W: cooksofingham.co.uk E: enquiries@cooksofingham.co.uk Own produce and other local products.

THE COASTAL CODE

ENJOY

YOUR VISIT AND STAY SAFE Prepare any relevant maps, guidebooks and other information to take with you Take account of weather conditions and tide times Check for up-to-date advice and restrictions, e.g. limits on access in the breeding season

RESPECT

PROTECT

Read local updates/information and act on any advice given

Keep away from cordoned areas

PEOPLE AND PLACE

Use public transport, walk or cycle If using the car, please drive and park responsibly Keep to paths/routes and leave gates as you find them

Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return

THE AREA AND ITS WILDLIFE

Take care not to disturb wildlife Ensure you don’t harm, destroy or remove any wildlife/plants/rocks Only light fires and/or BBQs in designated places

Use public waste bins or take litter home Shop locally and use local services

D R G A IN N AWIN FE W CA

CAFÉ

Shop online at www.joyfulliving.co.uk 01603 784500 www.gardenkitchencatering.co.uk Hoveton Hall Estate NR12 8RJ

Tel:01485 525714 Email:hello@joyfulliving.co.uk

@joyfullivinguk @joyonthecoast

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2023

To advertise call Countrywide Publications on 01502 725865

Joyful Living Drove Orchards Thornham Norfolk PE36 6LS

24 NATURE

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

m a h s i t t e The Sn : s e l c a t c spe l a c i g a m t u b e r a R You may have heard of the amazing avian displays performed at RSPB Snettisham but witnessing them is not that straightforward.

Here’s the RSPB’s Lucy Ferrer to tell us more.

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he Snettisham Wader Spectacle is one of the greatest wildlife displays in the UK. Visible from the sea wall at RSPB Snettisham nature reserve, this natural phenomenon sees clouds of tens of thousands of knot, dunlin and oystercatcher flock together in a shimmering cloud as the rising high tide pushes them off the vast mudflats. With the commotion of thousands of wingbeats, excited calls, and swirling flocks, this truly is one of the UK’s most exhilarating nature spectacles. While this is a fantastic sight to see, they are only visible less than 50 times a year and rarer than sightings of the Aurora Borealis. Visitors often arrive at the reserve only to be disappointed.

3. And finally: Daylight! This sounds obvious, but there’s no point in going if you can’t see the birds, so once the clocks go back in October, the spectacles are less likely to occur during daylight hours.

Not just one, but two nature spectacles

This incredible reserve hosts not just one, but TWO different spectacles. From midOctober right through to February at first light, up to 40,000 pink footed geese take flight from the mudflats to create masses of close V-shaped formations across the wide dawn sky. Whilst the tide does not affect the geese, the moonlight does.

Movement of geese can be erratic and unpredictable five days either side of a full moon. These timid birds are also easily spooked, so do keep torches off when you’re on the sea wall.

Here’s our 3 Golden Rules for viewing this magnificent sight:

Marvellous Mud Photo: Phill Gwilliam

1. They require large numbers of knot to be present. This tends to be during Spring and Autumn migrations (March-May and then August-October).

2. The other vital ingredient is a VERY high ‘Spring’ tide (7m+). This pushes the birds up into the air and into the lagoons for refuge from the incoming water. There are not many of these tides in a year and they often occur early in the morning.

Incredible spectacles like this only happen because of the marvellous mud of The Wash. These mudflats are wildlife havens, vital carbon stores and form part of an irreplaceable international network of protected sites that support these huge

gatherings of birds. The mud itself is jampacked full of food – mainly shellfish and worms. Yum!

Planning on visiting?

Both spectacles can attract large numbers of visitors to the reserve however they do not occur every day. This is a wild, remote site and there are no toilet or refreshment facilities. It is a 2.2km walk from the small car park to the sea wall, with steps, so allow plenty of time.

Please respect our neighbours by parking responsibly and keeping noise to a minimum. Please do not cross fence lines or

WALKING 25

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

Large flock of Oystercatchers in flight with birdwatchers at RSPB Snettisham.

NORFOLK COAST PATH

Sea, sand, sky: Natural drama on an epic scale

Photo: www.shutterstock.com/Erni

DESCRIPTION Take a four-day walk around Wells-nextthe-Sea to discover the wild beauty, human history and culinary flair of the North Norfolk coast

Photo: www.shutterstock.com/Lesley Rigg

INFORMATION • Days: 4 • Distance: walks from 2km to 10km • Difficulty: Easy

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normous skies, near-endless beaches, tidal marshes heaving with birds – the stretch of the North Norfolk coast around Wells-nextthe-Sea is a place of space and sanctuary for both wildlife and walkers. Here, the Norfolk Coast Path connects some of the country’s finest expanses of sand, some of its most important nature reserves and some of its most charming old villages, where you can eat the freshest seafood and snuggle up in the cosiest inns.

Wells-next-the-Sea itself, a centuriesold harbour, is great for enjoying fish-andchips on the sea wall, wandering the lanes and dangling a line from the quay to try to catch your own crabs. Also, there are plenty of walking trails, along the shore and into the hinterland, that make it easy to explore sites nearby: the grand hall and parkland at Holkham, the riotous seal colony at Blakeney, the bountiful birdlife at Cley and the Michelin-starred restaurants, traditional pubs, beach cafes and crab shacks all along the coast.

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Itinerary

Spend four days meandering along the coast from Holkham and Wells-nextthe-Sea to Blakeney and Cley, via worldrenowned nature reserves, delicious pubs and restaurants, wild birds in abundance and some of Britain’s best beaches.

DAY 1 Wells-next-the-Sea: Big Beaches

and-chips hangs on the breeze while birds wheel above.

Head towards the town’s quayside – maybe picking up supplies at Wells Deli first – and follow the long embankment out to sea (keep an eye out for seals, which often bob in the estuary’s tidal ebb and flow). At the end, there’s a Lifeboat Station and steps leading down to the huge beach, but for now turn left, into Wells Wood.

Here, the Coast Path wends via stilted beach huts and towering Corsican pines – perfect for forest bathing by the sea.

At Holkham Gap, where Lady Anne’s Drive meets the trail, stop for sustenance at the Lookout Cafe before striding seaward, onto sweeping Holkham Beach.

With its never-ending white sand, shallow lagoons, piping oystercatchers and backdrop of trees, it’s one of the best in the country. Stroll west, to where the pines end, then veer inland, to return east via the Holkham Meals, grazing marshes beloved by birds: in summer, spoonbills are often seen, while autumn and winter bring large flocks of geese.

Back at Holkham Gap, you could trace Lady Anne’s Drive to the Victoria Inn, for a fine meal and a cosy bed. Or return to Wells-next-the-Sea for proper fish and chips. The hip and handsome flint-stone village of Burnham Market (accessible via

Photo: Les Bunyan

Start in Wells-next-the-Sea – a real breath of fresh air. This traditional Norfolk fishing town gazes out over mudflats and marshes to the sea; the tang of salt-spray and fish-

Holkham Hall: Spend some time here, roaming the deer park and following the trails.

For more details of the RSPB Snettisham Spectaculars 2022 visit https://bit.ly/3yvFRtI

Day 2 Holkham & Wells

New day, new landscape. It’s a short stroll up the hill from the Victoria Inn, or a 45-minute walk from Wells-next-the-Sea, to reach the gates of Holkham Hall. This 18th-century Palladian-style house sits at the heart of a thriving 25,000-acre estate.

Spend all morning here, roaming the deer park, following the trails, re-fuelling in the cafe and experiencing Holkham Stories to learn more about the estate’s revolutionary farming heritage (and ride a tractor).

This afternoon, head back to Wellsnext-the-Sea to meander along the back streets – don’t miss Wells Maltings, a restored Grade-II listed building that hosts arts events, or a rest at Whin Hill Cider, where you can sample its tipples in the sunny courtyard.

Alternatively, spend your afternoon alpaca trekking – the animals make surprisingly serene companions for strolls along the coast trails. If alpacas aren’t your thing, hop aboard the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway, the world’s smallest public trainline. Its tiny cars steam through the countryside from Wells-nextthe-Sea to the village of Walsingham, a key pilgrimage site from the 11th century, when Lady Walsingham had visions of the Virgin Mary.

Day 3 Morston & Blakeney: Stars & Seals

Photo: www.shutterstock.com/Simon Annable

climb shingle screening as this will cause disturbance to this internationally important site (and spoil everyone else’s experience).

But don’t pore over tide tables and moon phases, our experts at the RSPB have handpicked the best dates and times for you to observe the spectacles here. Please note, the time given is when to start walking from the RSPB car park (not the time of high tide).

Coasthopper bus) has some excellent restaurants too.

The quay at low tide at Wells next the Sea, the start of this four-day walk.

You don’t have to get up early when you’re on holiday, but this morning it might be worth it… Sunrise is magical here, as the first rays break in the east, the light glitters off the creeks and shallows, and the dawn chorus is in full song. No matter what time you decide to leave, though, this morning’s walk along the Coast Path from Wells-next-the-Sea to Morston is invigorating, full of sea breezes and saltmarshes, alive with the chatter of birds.

It’s worth a detour to charming Stiffkey, which hides down a footpath in a wooded river valley. Stock up on Norfolk produce in the village shop before returning to the Coast Path to wind east, looking across a continued on page 26

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NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

NORFOLK COAST PATH

continued from page 25 mosaic of tidal sandbanks and inlets, rich in rare plants and birds.

Drink in the natural drama all the way to Morston, a tiny fishing hub with a huge foodie reputation – for a real splurge, book lunch at Michelin-starred Morston Hall.

Boat trips leave from the quay for Blakeney Point, a spit of golden sand and shingle, designated a national nature reserve.

Sail out and scan the marram grass for birds and the resident seals – it’s especially joyous in winter, when the white fluffy pups are born. Disembark in Morston and re-join the Coast Path to finish in Blakeney, for a fine fish supper at one of its array of restaurants.

DESCRIPTION Spend four days walking and exploring the North Norfolk coast, via prehistoric footprints, stately homes, classic seaside towns and the county’s highest point INFORMATION • Days: 4 • Distance: walks from 10km to 17km • Difficulty: Easy / Moderate

Day 4 Cley Marshes: Bird Bonanza

Photo: www.shutterstock.com/cktravels.com

Blakeney was once a busy commercial port; these days, it’s a peaceful spot, with masts chinking on the quay and a cluster of quiet, cobbled lanes. Seal watching trips depart from here too, or you could captain your own sailing dinghy or paddleboard (lessons are available) to explore at your own pace.

When you’re ready to leave, strike east along the sea bank via the saltmarshes.

This landscape never looks the same twice, the tides constantly reshaping and resculpting the shore, creating rich wildlife habitats.

The Coast Path navigates this transitional area between land and sea before bending inland along a channel into the lovely little Cley-nextthe-sea, with its proud windmill and lanes of little shops and cafes. For now, though, leave Cley by the channel’s opposite East Bank to reach Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Cley Marshes, an internationally important mosaic of reedbeds and brackish lagoons, alive with birds. You could spend hours in the hidden hides, scouting for avocet, bittern, marsh harrier, sandpiper and huge flocks of pink-footed geese.

Grab a bite in Cley Marshes Visitor Centre before returning to the East Bank and wending, via Walsey Hills and Bard Hill to reach Salthouse. Take a peek in the village’s light-flooded St Nicholas Church, where local art is often on display, before reaching Salthouse Heath. The view from the escarpment, over the gorse scrub, woodland, villages and marshes, far out to sea, is one of Norfolk’s best. It’s worth nosing around here too: the heath conceals archaeological sites (including a Bronze Age cemetery) as well as World War II remains. And if you’re feeling hungry, the Dun Cow serves traditional pub meals.

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Steam locomotive (above) at Weybourne Railway Station, part of the Poppy Line.

West Runton beach (below), part of the Sheringham to Cromer coastal walk.

he Norfolk Coast Path stretches right around the edge of the Norfolk Coast AONB but reaches its zenith on the section between the classic seaside towns of Sheringham and Cromer. This ancient shoreline, formed two million years ago and still flecked with fossils, is lined by tall, dramatic cliffs.

Indeed, Norfolk’s highest point is here.

Though, in this famously flat region, that is only 105m…

But lack of height does not mean lack of drama. From the wide wind-blustered shores (popular with bathers, surfers and sometimes seals) to the unspoiled rural hinterland, this is a landscape rich in history – that’s why its named the Deep History Coast. Woolly mammoths, marauding Vikings, eccentric Georgians and holidaying Victorians have all left their marks here. And thanks to a network of designated trails – including longdistance routes like the Norfolk Coast Path and the Weavers’ Way – it’s simple and enticing to discover it for yourself.

Itinerary

Head to North Norfolk’s Deep History Coast for four days of walking and discovery, a mix of bracing trails, seaside resorts, handsome market towns, glorious stately homes and a proper pub or two.

DAY 1 Sheringham: Vikings & Victorians

Start in the town of Sheringham (accessible by train). Its name harks back to Viking times – it means ‘the Ham of Scira’s people’. But its look is old fishing village and Victorian seaside charm, with independent shops and tearooms set behind the

wide sand-and-shingle beach.

Pick up the Coast Path by the promenade’s bright beach huts and follow it west to Weybourne along a crest of cliffs. Part of Norfolk’s Deep History Coast, this is the Cromer Forest Bed: here, you’re walking on land that began forming two million years ago, rich in fossils and ancient footprints. If the tide is low you can look down on Robin’s Field, part of a rare offshore chalk reef only recently explored. It’s a refuge for over 350 different marine species, some found nowhere else in the world.

At Weybourne, stop for lunch at the Ship Inn, a traditional pub serving fish landed nearby. Then you have choices. You could walk straight back to Sheringham, veering inland via Sheringham Park. Follow the trails that weave around the magnificent rhododendrons, magnolias and azaleas, climb one of the towers to take in the views of land and sea.

Alternatively stay a little longer in Weybourne to visit the cliff-top Muckleburgh Collection, the UK’s largest privately owned military museum, sited on a former army camp. It’s packed with all manner of missiles, weaponry and armoured vehicles; you can even take a ride in a tank.

Also close to Weybourne is Kelling Heath Holiday Park, where you might consider staying. The park has been awarded official Dark Sky status: light pollution is so low here that it’s possible to see the Milky Way with the naked eye.

Kelling Heath is near Weybourne station, a stop on the Sheringham-Holt Poppy Line North Norfolk Railway, which uses steam engines to pull an array of historic carriages. You could hop aboard and spend the afternoon riding to Holt and back, or head back to Sheringham.

DAY 2 Cromer & Norfolk’s ‘Mountain’

From Sheringham, set off along the Coast Path once more, this time heading east to Cromer, along the Cromer Ridge, a stretch of coast formed by retreating glaciers, thousands of years ago, and about as undulating as notably flat Norfolk gets.

Head up Beeston Bump, then descend to West Runton, a small village with a big secret. Following an accidental discovery by locals, a major excavation here in 1995 unearthed the most complete mammoth skeleton ever found in Britain. Walking these cliffs and heathland is to walk in the footprints of ancient beasts – not only mammoths, but bears, rhinos and hyenas.

Consider lunch in West Runton – perhaps at the Links Country Park Hotel.

Then prepare yourself for the ‘mighty’ climb up Beacon Hill, the county’s highest point, at 105m! Then continue onwards, via an inland trail to another high-point, Incleborough Hill, to enjoy sweeping panoramic coastline views. From here, descend to Cromer, the ‘Gem of the Norfolk Coast’, with its late-Victorian and Edwardian architecture, high cliffs and wide beach.

Climb to the top of the church tower for a bird’s eye view and wander along the 151m-long pier, where the end-of-pier show packs out the Pavilion Theatre all summer long. Be sure to sample a Cromer crab – a local specialty.

Photo: www.shutterstock.com/Christopher Keeley

Unexpected highs: Mammoths, mansions and ‘mountains’

The Weavers’ Way footpath.

DAY 3 Along the Weavers’ Way

Linking Cromer to Great Yarmouth, taking an inland route via 100km of woodland, farmland, rivers, Broads and great country estates, the Weavers’ Way reveals a different side of the county. Inland from Cromer, a short way along the trail, is Felbrigg Hall, a 17th-century house with a grand Jacobean facade, an elegant Georgian interior and innumerable treasures – from the walled garden to the Chinese Bedroom. Enjoy Felbrigg in the morning, wandering the grand rooms and extensive parkland, before walking south towards the village of Erpingham.

Depending on your pace, this afternoon you could branch off the Weavers’ Way at Aldborough to pick up part of the Cromer Explorer Loop which will take you to Mannington Hall. The gardens around this medieval moated manor are a delight.

Breathe in the fragrant air and revive yourself with a cuppa in the tearooms.

Complete the loop and finish your day at the Saracens Head, a wonderful oddity, nestled in the Norfolk countryside. Built for Lord Walpole in 1806 in a distinctive Italianate style, it’s now a welcoming inn offering real ales, big log fires, homecooked food and comfy beds to passing travellers.

DAY 4 On to Aylsham

Rise and shine at the Saracens Head, taking your time over a good breakfast before setting out for a treat: Blickling Estate.

The Weavers’ Way leads right to this spectacular Jacobean mansion, which is best approached on foot, so you see it rise gradually from the surrounding countryside.

The estate, run by the National Trust, is huge – spend time walking across the grounds – but make time to explore inside too, the Long Gallery, with is moulded ceiling and collection of 10,000 books, is worth the entrance fee alone.

Next stop, Aylsham, a traditional old Norfolk town with a difference: it’s one of only five UK Cittaslow towns, a designation that highlights the quality of life and community spirit. At Aylsham’s heart is its marketplace, which is surrounded by 18th-century houses and is the hub of local activity – twice-weekly markets, monthly farmers’ markets and numerous events year-round.

Two amazing places to visit in Sheringham Fishermen’s Lifeboat Museum The Museum houses the Henry Ramey Upcher lifeboat in service from 1894 to 1935.

Peter Coke Shell Gallery An exhibition of shell art, all the work of Peter Coke (1913-2008).

West Cliff Sheringham NR26 8JT Opening times vary so have a look at the website for the latest information: www.sheringhamsociety.com

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NATURE 29

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

n a visit to Happisburgh on the Norfolk coast you can walk in the footsteps of mammoths that roamed the land hundreds of thousands of years ago.

Happisburgh forms part of Norfolk’s Deep History Coast which stretches from Weybourne to Cart Gap. Happisburgh itself has been the site of significant archaeological finds of human settlement and human footprints. The Natural History Museum explains how the erosion and storm damage along this stretch of coast exposed the earliest known human footprints found outside of Africa.

If you are very lucky you might even stumble across the footprints of the locals who lived there 900,000 years ago. The footprints of adults and children dating back to this time were discovered in 2013 but cannot be seen now as shifting tides covered them. However, they were exposed long enough for experts at the British Museum to capture casts and document them for the historical record.

The footprints may possibly have been part of a hunting trail following migratory animals such as mammoths and woolly rhinoceros. Hunters would have been walking in the sediment of a river estuary system that flowed into the North Sea. Close your eyes and listen intently.

There are no hyena or bison now, but what echoes from the past can you hear in the sounds of the sea?

Look up – above the soft cliffs stands another enigmatic Happisburgh landmark, its red striped lighthouse. As the sun rises rays of light catch its colourful facade, bathing it in the orange glow of a new day. It is now the only independent run lighthouse in Britain, and it is also the oldest working lighthouse in East Anglia. The Happisburgh Lighthouse Trust is a registered charity responsible for operating and maintaining the iconic building. On open days it is possible to explore the interior of the lighthouse or request a private visit. For details visit

Photo: leon streeter at unsplash

The Secrets of Norfolk’s Deep History Coast O The Beach At Happisburgh

Sitting above the soft cliffs the red striped lighthouse (top) is a well-known Happisburgh landmark; Cart Gap (above), was once a notorious landing spot for smugglers.

All photos: www.shutterstock.com unless stated.

www.happisburgh.org.uk.

With the tides permitting you can walk along the beach to Cart Gap, once a notorious landing spot for smugglers. Mythical tales of ghouls and ghosts were told to frighten away any prying eyes especially when illicit cargoes were expected. One such story was the legless ghost who was evidently spotted moving down Happisburgh high street before disappearing down a well. It is claimed that a legless torso was also found down a well!

Discovered footprints may be from migrating mammoths 900,000 years ago.

Return to Happisburgh along the coast path, but before the day ends perhaps try another once historic smugglers abode: the Hill House Inn for a hearty meal and a pint from the microbrewery. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of the character of Sherlock Holmes, once stayed here and wrote the book The Adventures of The Dancing Men under its eaves.

This activity was curated by EXPERIENCE, a €23.3 million project cofinanced by the European Regional Development Fund (€16 million) through the Interreg France (Channel) England Programme. The project works to improve tourism infrastructure and develop off season tourism in six pilot regions in France and the UK. It is led

by Norfolk County Council and runs from September 2019 to June 2023.

ESTATE IN NORTH NORFOLK

Find your perfect hideaway With an extensive portfolio of self-catering properties, from cosy cottages crammed full of Norfolk charm, to luxury retreats oozing with coastal chic, you’re sure to find that perfect holiday home with us.

01328 887 658 | norfolkhideaways.co.uk

WALKS openweveryday w Tours Events Weddings Boardwalk & Bird Hide w w w wPlant Sales Café Shop Events Tours Weddings GARDENS open late May-Sept open weveryday w Shop Café Walks Plant Sales

April 2019 Gardens EVENTS open 26 Mayfrom - 1 September Walks open everyday

Wednesdays, Thursday, Fridays & Sundays Special – just2020 ask Gardens parties/weddings open 24 May- 5pm - 6 September 11am Weds, Thurs, Fri & see Sundays 11am-5pm 2022 events website www.manningtonestate.co.uk www.manningtonestate.co.uk admin@walpoleestate.co.uk admin@01263 walpoleestate.co.uk 584175 01263 584175 NR11 7BB

ARTS, HERITAGE & COMMUNITY

AT THE HEART OF WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA

Staithe Street wellsmaltings.org.uk Wells-Next-The-Sea 01328 710885

30 CYCLING

Photo: West Norfolk

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

Cycle friendly places A new initiative is coming to Norfolk which will help cyclists looking for somewhere to stay or refuel during their visit. Tourists and residents alike can seek out businesses with a new excellence mark which will be awarded by the national charity, Cycling UK.

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upported by the EXPERIENCE project led by Norfolk County Council, Cycling UK has developed the Cycle Friendly Places accreditation scheme in Kent and Cornwall already. The EXPERIENCE project is a €23.3 million project co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (€16 million) through the Interreg France (Channel) England Programme. It focuses on sustainable, off-season tourism in six pilot regions in France and England, including Norfolk, Cornwall and Kent.

More information is available at www. tourismexperience.org The Cycle Friendly Places accreditation enables hospitality and accommodation providers to access resources and knowledge to make their businesses attractive to those looking to combine

cycling and holidays. The accreditation is free and requires that businesses introduce some basic cycle friendly additions.

Whether it’s providing hire bikes and storage for customers’ own bikes, recommending nearby routes or access to bike pumps, there are plenty of factors which can help businesses stand out from the crowd when it comes to welcoming cyclists.

Cycling UK project manager Jonathan Sparks, said: “With the long lockdowns and disruption to holiday plans, there is pent-up demand for people to be able to get out and explore the wonderful cycling that regions like Norfolk have to offer. Cycling UK wants to help make sure businesses are ready and provide the sort of service which will keep people visiting long after foreign travel is back on the cards.”

Above: Cycling is a great way to slow down, relax and enjoy the Norfolk countryside.

Call to action!

If you would like your favourite café or B&B to offer cycle friendly facilities, you can tell them about this initiative. If you are a tourism provider keen to obtain the benefit of accreditation, please contact Cycle Friendly Places via www.experience/cyclinguk.org or email experience@ norfolk.ac.uk.

Benefits of accreditation

• A free equipment bundle* valued at £175, including toolbox, pump, a lock and a First Aid kit. (*limited stocks available) • Training in digital marketing, cycle maintenance and route knowledge • Promotion through Cycling UK’s Cyclists Welcome directory.

It is estimated there are some 1.23 million overnight cycle trips per year in

the UK, with an average spend of £360 per trip, a high proportion of which is spent on accommodation and food stops along the route. With the impact of coronavirus and opening up of foreign travel once more, it is important to continue to celebrate the hassle-free cycling holiday option for visitors in and tourists coming to Norfolk. Cycle touring is a year-round activity and can be a great way to extend traditional holiday periods to boost tourism in early spring and late autumn.

Cycle Routes

The Norfolk Coast Cycleway is a ninetymile network of quiet roads that tracks the NCN1 and NCN30 from Kings Lynn to Cromer and Great Yarmouth, with lovely views of the coastline and countryside and leisurely circuits that can be completed. There is the rail trail cycle routes north out of Norwich (part of the 26-mile Marriott’s Way loop), or up from Kings Lynn. En route, you pass Happisburgh, known for its eroding coastline.

Much of Norfolk’s cycle-touring charm comes from the lovely villages and towns you pass through, some of the most picturesque being Blakeney, Cley, Burnham Market, Holkham with its estate and nature reserve, and the pilgrimage village of Walsingham.

Wells and Holkham Circuit

The Wells and Holkham cycle route is a short leisurely ride covering around seven

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Photo: CYUK

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

There are plenty of places to stop off on route for well deserved refreshments.

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Photo: West Norfolk

The Norfolk Coast Cycleway is a ninety-mile network of quiet roads from Kings Lynn to Cromer and Great Yarmouth, with lovely views of the coastline and countryside.

miles of road and track. It takes in the finest points from the historic Holkham Hall to the coastal views of Wells-next-the-Sea and is close to other points of interest at Blakeney. Details of the route are set out on the Sustrans.org.uk website with links to the circuit on the Ordnance Survey map. This ride takes around two and half hours and offers good stop off points

to make a day of it with refreshments and lunch en route, or a picnic on Holkham’s famous sandy beach.

The Cromer Roamer

The Cromer Roamer circuit is a longer ride of around 40 miles which takes you inland and along coastal paths, rolling majestically through the National Trust

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parkland of Felbrigg Hall. It continues effortlessly out through historic villages and farms offering fresh produce on almost totally traffic-free roads beneath vast skies. You turn north though the bustling market town of Holt, then climb gently on rarely used rolling lanes before dropping to the coast at Blakeney. From here, you can daisy chain back towards Cromer, linking totally different versions of the Norfolk coast at Weybourne and the busy seaside town of Sheringham via inland loops through heath and woodland, with stories stretching back many millennia, before reversing the start back into Cromer. You can find details on the Cycling UK website Norfolk pages.

What to take with you on your ride

The only thing you really need for cycling is a bike. And maybe a phone, and credit card: in Britain you’re only a call away from any service you might need.

But unless money is no object, it’s wise to take a few things with you on a day ride. A saddlebag, panniers or bike packing bags are best for carrying stuff.

A front basket is second best. A rucksack is third best. Your sweaty back will soon tell you why.

Cycling short distances in jeans and t-shirt is fine, but on a long or strenuous ride – over ten miles say, or in hills – those jeans will rub and the t-shirt will get damp and clingy. Shorts or, yes, lycra leggings and padded shorts will be much comfier, and merino or polyester cycling tops wick away the sweat, keeping you dry and comfy.

If rain is in the air, pack a rainproof top. If it might turn chilly, take a fleece or warm top. But the thing you’re most likely to forget is the sunblock.

It’s remarkable how often you enjoy being out on the bike so much that you suddenly realise it’s getting dark. So, take continued on page 33

Be the first to see the Sculthorpe Beavers This summer, a visit to Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve can include some time with our beavers in their own 40 acre enclosure, adjoining a newly created wetland area. This amazing space will be open to the public for the first time in 2022.

Just a few miles inland from the North Norfolk coast there is much to see at Sculthorpe: waders, Little Ringed Plovers and Egrets with Hobbies, Red Kites and Buzzards overhead. The reserve has a boardwalk running around it making it accessible to all, a tranquil respite from the hurly burly of the coastal resorts. haot norfguard ad aw1.indd 1

■ Open daily 8am-4.30pm,

last entry 3pm

■ Ample free parking with

EV charging points

■ Visitor centre, gift shop

and refreshments

■ Assistance dogs only

Hawk and Owl Trust 17/03/2022 13:17

“We love colour – it’s good for the soul!”

Visit our refreshingly bright and airy gallery specialising in paintings, contemporary glass, ceramics, prints, jewellery, and sculpture

Trevor Woods Contemporary Art - working studio open all year round -

Picture Framing Service

- professional advice and friendly guidance Gallery Plus . Warham Road . Wells-next-the-Sea . NR23 1QA 01328 711609 . www.gallery-plus.co.uk Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm

Visit our website for our Covid-safe measures

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NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

continued from page 31 lights (which are legally required at night). They’re the price of a sandwich, take no space, are easy to put on thanks to tool-free plastic clips, and the batteries last a long time.

Take a puncture repair kit (with tyre levers) and pump. Make sure it fits your valves, which will be either ‘Presta’ or ‘Schraeder’ – realising they don’t match is a very common roadside discovery! Carrying a spare inner tube (make sure it matches your tyre size) makes puncture repair much easier: mend the old one back at home. If you do get in trouble, some kindly passing cyclist will probably stop to help.

Using a helmet is a personal choice – they’re not legally required.

Cycling makes you thirsty, so take lots of water. Long-distance riders talk about ‘the bonk’ – a sudden loss of energy rendering you almost stationary. It’s miraculously and instantly cured by eating something sweet. On short rides you’re unlikely to run out of energy, but just in case, take a snack like flapjack, banana, chocolate or jelly babies.

Taking a packed lunch or picnic will save you money, though that hot drink

and cake in a cosy cafe could prove very tempting! Your phone GPS could be invaluable for showing where you are when lost; you can download free detailed UK maps and GPS software before your trip.

Paper maps are still useful, though, so take one: no power source or wi-fi signal required, and they’re great for suggesting possibilities or changes of plan.

A few things to take with you on a day ride

Bungay Black Dog Running Club (Bungay) www.cyclinguk.org/group/ bungay-black-dog-running-club Godric Cycling Cub (Bungay) www.cyclinguk.org/local-groups/ godric-cycling-club www.godriccc.co.uk

Diss (Diss) www.cyclinguk.org/local-groups/diss King’s Lynn Cycling Club (King’s Lynn) www.cyclinguk.org/group/ kings-lynn-cycling-club West Norfolk (King’s Lynn) www.cyclinguk.org/local-groups/west-norfolk

Ch

CONTEMPORARYANDCOUNTRY.COM

www.VisitTheBroads.co.uk instagram: @broadsnationalpark twitter: @BroadsNP

Photo: Jay Birmingham

10/02/2022 18:24

Discover the taste of North Norfolk with Moon Gazer’s award-winning real ales and craft lagers.

moongazerale.co.uk 01328 878 495 01/05/2019 20:43

East Anglian Cycling Club (Norwich) www.cyclinguk.org/local-groups/ east-anglian-cycling-club Norwich CTC (Norwich) www.cyclinguk.org/local-groups/norfolk-ctc www.norwichctc.com/home/ Has three branches based in Norwich, Diss and West Norfolk (King’s Lynn) Norwich Cycling Campaign (Norwich) www.cyclinguk.org/local-groups/ norwich-cycling-campaign Campaigning group encouraging and supporting the improvement of cycling facilities in Norwich

UK Police Unity Tour- Eastern Chapter (Dereham) www.cyclinguk.org/local-groups/uk-policeunity-tour-eastern-chapter

Sandringham & West Norfolk Cyclists (Sandringham) www.cyclinguk.org/local-groups/ sandringham-west-norfolk-cyclists

Cycling Club Breckland (Norfolk) www.cyclinguk.org/local-groups/ cycling-club-breckland

Timber MTB (Thetford) www.cyclinguk.org/local-groups/ timber-mtb www.timbermtb.org/website/ Mountain biking in Thetford

Norfolk Police BUG (Norfolk) www.cyclinguk.org/local-groups/ norfolk-police-bug

Keystone Green Bikes (Thetford) www.cyclinguk.org/cycle-centre/ keystone-green-bikes

Wensum Valley Cycle Group (Norfolk) www.cyclinguk.org/local-groups/wensumvalley-cycle-group

Wymondham Wheelers (Wymondham) www.cyclinguk.org/local-groups/ wymondham-wheelers-cc

A WHOLE WORLD OF WONDER!

New paintings by Kate Giles exploring the Nar and Bure rivers valley with sculpture by Jack Wheeler, Beth Groom and Emily Mayer.

Joined by artists and makers with a strong connection to East Anglia and its coastal landscape.

12th Man Cycling Club (Norwich) www.cyclinguk.org/group/ 12th-man-cycling-club

The Basket Bikers (Attleborough) www.cyclinguk.org/group/basket-bikers

EXPERIENCE is a €23.3 million project co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (€16 million) through the Interreg France (Channel) England Programme and designed to develop the experiential off-season economy in the future in a safe and sustainable way. The project is a 4-year scheme that runs from 1st September 2019 to 30th June 2023, involving 14 partners in France and England. The project is managed by Norfolk County Council which is piloting new and more sustainable approaches to tourism.

EXPERIENCE aims to capitalise on the emerging global trend for local tourism and engagement with nature, heritage and culture.

ALDEBURGH SUFFOLK IP15 5AQ

Norfolk NIPS ad_128x92 ad_v2.indd 1

Below is a non-exhaustive list of cycling groups and clubs in Norfolk

Ob Cafe (Attleborough) www.cyclinguk.org/group/ob-cafe

About the EXPERIENCE project

BALLROOM ARTS JUNE 7-19, 2022

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Get on your bike

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Lots of interactive features . . . Fun for ALL ages

Come join us and explore Wroxham Miniature Worlds, the great little indoor adventure.

Be immersed in a world of miniature railways, flight simulators and retro arcade gaming all included for one great price!

Wroxham Miniature Worlds is the largest indoor modelling attraction in the UK stretching over 10,000 square feet with some of the largest model railways in the world on permanent public display.

Wroxham Miniature Worlds, Station Business Park, Horning Road West, Hoveton NR12 8QJ

WWW.WROXHAMMINIATUREWORLDS.CO.UK - Tel: 01603 781728

coast

34 EVENTS

Please check all events are going ahead before you travel. Many events will need to be prebooked through individual organisations’ websites or by phone.

Some events are free, others require payment. Please also note this is just a small selection of events happening in Norfolk this year.

MAY Throughout: Wednesdays to Saturdays all month: Exhibition FieldWork: between urban and rural. 11am to 4pm. An exhibition about the spaces that exist between the urban and the rural. Groundwork Gallery, King’s Lynn.

Hunstanton SEA LIFE Centre: Peppa’s Aquarium Adventure. Looking for a fun-filled family day out with your little piggy? Then look no further, as Peppa Pig is at Sea Life Hunstanton! In a brand new event nationwide,

Oystercatcher by Kate Dougan

Events on the

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

Peppa Pig is heading to SEA LIFE Hunstanton for an amazing Aquarium Adventure! Come and meet Peppa as she dives into her adventure and makes friends with some of the oceans most incredible animals. There’s a fun interactive trail at SEA LIFE Hunstanton where little piggies can help to spot seahorses, count starfish, learn about how fast sharks can swim, as well as a variety of fun activities!

Sun 15: Behind the scenes at Norfolk Collections Centre. 10am, Gressenhall, Dereham. The Norfolk Collections Centre is the Norfolk Museums Service’s open access storage facility, with over 3 million objects. Come for this one hour tour and enjoy exclusive access to explore the stored collection. This event is free of charge, though due to limited numbers, booking of an event ticket is essential.

Various dates between May and October: Holkham Estate - Deer and Wildlife Safari; and The Grand Tractor Trailer Tour. Various times through the day. Sit tight on the trailer for these two different tours, which take place around the estate. Learn all about the resident herd of Fallow Deer and the estate itself. www.holkham.co.uk for details and bookings.

Sun 15: Little Vintage Lover Fair. 10.30am, Mannington Estate & Gardens. Over 40 stalls with something for every vintage lover from clothing and accessories to the curios and the eclectic 1920s-1980s. Refreshments will be available from the garden tea rooms and street food options too. DJ The Mailman will be playing the best vintage sounds live.

Wed 11 to Sun 15: The Bigger Picture - final show. Cromer Community Hall. The Bigger Picture project will see the group bringing great works of art to the streets of Cromer, displaying full- size reproductions of famous paintings in various outdoor locations around the town. For this inside exhibition all the paintings will be hung inside for a final show.

Sun 15: The Artistic Forager - talks and walks.

2pm to 6pm, Groundwork Gallery, King’s Lynn. Led by artist-collective haptic/tacit.

Wed 18: Stody Lodge - Open Garden for NGS. 1pm to 5pm, Stody Lodge, Melton Constable.

Spectacular gardens with one of the largest concentrations of rhododendrons and azaleas in East Anglia. Created in the 1920s, the gardens

also feature magnolias, camellias, a variety of ornamental and specimen trees, late daffodils and bluebells. Expansive lawns and magnificent yew hedges.

Thurs 19: Circuit of Cley. 10.30am to 1pm.

A guided circuit walk around the reserve and along the shingle ridge, taking in the wildlife and habitats of the North Norfolk coast along the way. Walk length approximately 3.5 miles.

Fri 20: Clifton House Guided Tour. 3.30pm, King’s Lynn. Join the owners of this Grade 1 listed private house for a tour of its amazing historic interiors dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries, including the 14th-century vaulted under croft and the five-storey Elizabethan tower. Tours can be booked via Historic Houses website.

Sat 21: Ink & Image, Poetry and Printmaking at Pensthorpe. 9.30am, Pensthorpe Natural Park, Fakenham.

A one-day workshop of poetrywriting and printmaking, based in the elegant and spacious Garden Room at Pensthorpe, with David Redfield and Diane Griffiths.

Sun 22: Meet a Master Beekeeper. 2.30pm, Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse, Dereham.

In celebration of Bee Day we will be joined by Beekeeper Venetia Rist for a fascinating and interactive talk on bees. Discover how honey is made, take a peak inside a hive and meet some of the many bee species found in Norfolk.

Sun 22: Lexham Hall - Open Garden for NGS. 11am to 5pm, Lexham Hall, Litcham. Parkland with lake and river walks surround C17/18 Hall (not open). Formal garden with terraces, roses and mixed borders. Traditional working kitchen garden with crinkle-crankle wall.

Sun 22: Chestnut Farm - Open Garden for NGS. 11am to 5pm, Chestnut Farm, Holt.

Mature three acre garden with collections of many rare and unusual plants and trees. 100+ varieties of snowdrops, drifts of crocus with seasonal flowering shrubs. Later, wood anemones, fritillary meadow, wildflower walk, pond, small arboretum, croquet lawn and colourful herbaceous borders.

Wed 25: Wildlife of Cley with Ajay Tegala. Ajay Tegala, TV presenter and wildlife ranger, leads Sat 21 and Sun a guided walk around 22: Norfolk Coast Cley Marshes. During the Photography Workshop.

19 May: Join a guided Saturday will be spent walk, Ajay will talk about walk around Cley on location in the Holkham the Natural History of north Nature Reserve area at the coast with cameras.

Norfolk and East Anglia, as well Sunday will be spent at the as offering the opportunity to ask Artpocket studios in Norwich, with a him about his experiences as a budding presentation and discussion, wine and nibbles, television presenter. Walk is approx. 3.5 miles. and a chance to edit, share, discuss and present Thu 26 to Sat 28: North Norfolk Players work, and get some useful tuition in Photoshop A Twist in the Tale. 7.30pm to 9.30pm, The (or similar) image editing technique.

Copeman Centre, Briston. All is not quite as it Sun 22: Edgelands – exploring urban landscapes from London to King’s Lynn. 2pm to 6pm, Groundwork Gallery, King’s Lynn.

Meet and walk with John Rogers.

seems as the North Norfolk Players present an evening of comedies to delight and amuse. First Night Nerves; Bang, You’re Dead; Two Barmen; and Last Tango in Little Grimley feature.

1 MAY – 25 SEPT 2022

ART & THE HANDMADE IN THE STABLES AT HOUGHTON HALL Artist and makers celebrating the horticultural and the cultivated, behind and beyond the garden wall

CONTEMPORARYANDCOUNTRY.COM

BIRDscapes Gallery

COASTAL-2022.indd 1

HOLT COUNTRY PARK

15/02/2022 09:11

Bird and Wildlife Art Open daily 11 to 5 In Glandford, NR25 7JP. Follow brown signs to Cley Spy from Blakeney Church

BEAUTIFUL WOODLAND FOR ALL TO ENJOY WAYMARKED TRAILS, PICNIC AREAS, TEA ROOM, TOILETS, CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA, VISITORS CENTRE, AN EASY ACCESS TRAIL AND MUCH MORE!

• UK’s only independent bird art gallery • Paintings, original prints, sculptures • Exciting exhibition programme • Bayfield Bird Walk leaflet available • Ample free parking • Now fully wheel-chair-accessible In a group of barns hosting: Art Café, Cley Smokehouse Deli, and Cley Spy ‘Brent Geese’ by Greg Poole S WL A

birdscapes.co.uk

01263 741742

OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/countryside /HoltCountryPark @CountryHolt

B1149 Edgefield Hill, Holt NR25 6SP. Grid reference TG081375

We have lots of new stock in our plant area.

Come and take your pick from roses, delphiniums, clematis, and many more.

We also have a huge collection in Outdoor Furniture - ready to take home with you today.

Why not make a day of it and bring the whole family?

Enjoy a bite to eat from The Garden Terrace Café while the kids play on our outdoor playground.

EVENTS 37

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

Thu 26 to Sun 29: Houghton Hall International Horse Trials. 7am to 7pm.

The Houghton International Horse Trials incorporating the FEI Nations Cup has it all; exhilarating sporting action, a spectacular setting, entertainment for young and old, plus shopping at over 50 trade stands.

Fri 27: Clifton House Guided Tour. 3.30pm, King’s Lynn. Join the owners of this Grade 1 listed private house for a tour of its amazing historic interiors, including the 14th-century vaulted under croft and the Elizabethan tower.

Tours can be booked via Historic Houses website.

Sat 28: Plant Lovers’ Day. 10am to 4pm, Creake Abbey Farmers Market, Fakenham.

This much-loved horticultural event is now in its fifteenth year. Plantsmen from Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex as well as leading nurseries from further afield will be on hand.

Sat 28 and Sun 29: Fairy Fair. 10.30am, Bradmoor Woods, West Acre. Discover the magic of nature when the Fairyland Trust returns with its 23rd Fairy Fair, featuring workshops, live music, entertainment and lots more in a magical day-out for the whole family.

Sat 28 and Sun 29: Norfolk Coast Photography Workshop. Saturday will be spent on location in the Holkham area. Sunday will be spent at the Artpocket studios in Norwich, with a presentation and discussion, wine and nibbles, and a chance to edit, share, discuss work.

Sun 29: Reepham Food Festival. 10am to 4pm, Market Square, Reepham. The popular food festival is back. New tastes in food and drink for you to try. Cookery demonstrations, picnic area, pubs, cafes and local shops.

Sun 29: Warborough House - Open Garden for NGS. 11am to 4pm, Warborough House, Stiffkey. Seven acre garden on a steep chalk slope, surrounding C19 house (not open) with views across the Stiffkey valley. Woodland walks, formal terraces, shrub borders, lawns and walled garden create a garden of contrasts.

Sun 29: Bolwick Hall - Open Garden for NGS. 1pm to 5pm, Bolwick Hall, Marsham.

Landscaped gardens and park surrounding a late Georgian hall. The original garden design is attributed to Humphrey Repton. Enjoy a woodland walk around the lake as well as a stroll through the working vegetable and fruit garden.

Sun 29: Manor Farmhouse, Gayton - Open Garden for NGS. 1pm to 5.30pm, Manor Farmhouse, Gayton, King’s Lynn. A secret, colourful, densely planted cottage garden created in 2001. Secluded gravel paths meander between double flowerbeds leading through a shady pergola to a sunny, walled courtyard and conservatory.

New lawns, flowerbeds, wildflower area and polytunnel were added in 2013 on land bought from a neighbour.

past and present. Walk length approximately 2 miles. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of this event to register at our reception.

Booking essential at NWT Eventbrite.

Thu 2: Katie Doherty and The Navigators, live music. 7.30pm, Deepdale Farm, Burnham Deepdale. A return visit to the village following a 2021 performance at St Mary’s Church at Deepdale Festival 2021.

30 May:

Mon 30: Rockpool Rummaging with Norfolk Wildlife Trust. 12.30pm to 2pm, West Runton Beach.

Rummaging in the rockpools of West Runton in search of life.

Come along with sturdy shoes and keen eyes to help carefully investigate the secrets of the seashore. If you don’t know a barnacle from a belemnite the experts will be on hand to identify your finds. Each family group must have at least one adult attending.

JUNE Throughout: Wednesdays to Saturdays until Sat 25: Exhibition FieldWork: between urban and rural. 11am to 4pm. An exhibition about the spaces that exist between the urban and the rural. Groundwork Gallery, King’s Lynn.

Hunstanton SEA LIFE Centre: Peppa’s Aquarium Adventure. See May entry for more details Various dates between May and October: Holkham Estate - Deer and Wildlife Safari; and The Grand Tractor Trailer Tour. See May entry for more details Wed 1: A Life in Cley. 10.30am to 12.30pm, Cley Marshes Visitor Centre, Cley next the Sea.Join third generation warden Bernard Bishop, on an enlightening tour of Cley village

Go Rockpool Rummaging at West Runton beach.

Sun 5: Barton Bendish Hall - Open Garden for NGS. 11am to 5pm, Barton Bendish Hall, King’s Lynn. Traditional country estate garden of 10 acres. Woodland drive, orchard, kitchen garden with soft fruits, espaliered fruit trees, vegetables, glasshouse full of scented pelargoniums.

Walled herb and cut flower garden. Herbaceous borders, south facing terrace. Informal area around pond.

the future of Castor fiber. Dr Jonah Tosney from Norfolk Rivers Trust explains how beavers shaped our waterways.

Thurs 9: Talk with an Expert, Looking After Museum Collections. 2.30pm, Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse, Dereham. A tour through the collections store. Find out about the different methods used to provide conservation care to these objects. This tour includes a practical element allowing you to get hands on with caring for our collections.

Tue 14: Wording the Edgelands, an eco-poetry workshop led by kin’d and kin’d. 11am to 5pm, Groundwork Gallery, King’s Lynn.

Thurs 16: Talk with an Expert, History of Pubs and Beer in Norfolk. 2.30pm, Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse, Dereham. A tour to view objects which highlight the history of pubs and beer in Norfolk. Ending in a beer tasting session of locally produced Norfolk beer.

Fri 17: Clifton House Guided Tour. 3.30pm, King’s Lynn. Join the owners of this Grade 1 listed private house for a tour of its amazing historic interiors dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries, including the 14th-century vaulted under croft and the five-storey Elizabethan tower. Tours can be booked via Historic Houses website.

Sun 5: Pageant of Motoring. 10am, Sandringham House, Kings Lynn. As part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Sandringham House, the pageant will showcase seven Fri 18: Norfolk SuperHero Challenge 2022. decades of motoring, live music and Approx start time 9am, Burnham aerial displays alongside a variety Overy Staithe & North Norfolk 8 June-13 July: of culinary delights and a craft Coast. A unique quadrathlon Blickling Hall is & vintage fair. (swim, kayak, cycle, run) event home to the Tue 7: Walk with the that has raised huge sums Norfolk Craft Guild Warden. 10.30am to Summer exhibition for local charities. Combines 1.30pm. Join Cley and courses across land and Salthouse warden sea, centred around the George Baldock on village of Burnham Overy a wander around the Staithe. reserve, taking in the Sat 18 and Sun 19: Colkirk spectacular wildlife along Art Festival. 10am to 5pm, the way. Maximum walk St Mary’s Church, Colkirk. length 3 miles.

The third Colkirk Art Festival.

Wed 8 to July 3: Norfolk Craft Guild Summer Exhibition. The Loft Gallery at Blickling Hall, near Aylsham. Lots of handcrafted items will be on display from members of the Craft Guild.

Thurs 9: The Glaven Beavers. 1pm to 2.30pm.

Habitats, natural history, ancient culture and

Over 100 paintings for sale, craft tables, refreshments, beautiful flower displays, superb display of bonsai trees. Raising funds for repairs to church.

Sun 19: Behind the scenes at Norfolk Collections Centre. 10am, Gressenhall, Dereham. See 15 May entry for more details

ehouse The Curiou s Tre Adventure

Thurs 23: Talk with an Expert, Reading the Workhouse Building. 2.30pm, Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse, Dereham. Join the museum curator on a tour of the workhouse and nearby buildings. Find out about the previous uses of the different spaces and discover the often unnoticed architecture.

Thurs 23: Circuit of Cley. 10.30am to 1pm.

See 19 May entry for more details Thurs 30: Talk with an Expert, Hidden Gems of the Gressenhall Collection. 2.30pm, Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse, Dereham. Join the museum curator on a tour of the displays as she points out some of her favourite objects and the stories behind them.

Thurs 30: Perspectives on Norfolk’s Trees. 1pm to 2.30pm. Learn to identify Norfolk’s native trees and explore their beauty, importance in the landscape, and their fractal nature. A talk with local naturalist David North.

JULY Throughout: Various dates between May and October: Holkham Estate - Deer and Wildlife Safari; and The Grand Tractor Trailer Tour. See May entry for more details Until Sun 3: Hunstanton SEA LIFE Centre: Peppa’s Aquarium Adventure. See May entry for more details.

Fri 1 to Mon 4: Folk in a Field Festival.

Bradmoor Woods, West Acre. Music, activities and workshops set in a unique woodland setting deep in the Norfolk countryside.

Wed 6: A Life in Cley. 10.30am to 12.30pm, Cley Marshes Visitor Centre, Cley next the Sea. Join Bernard Bishop, on an enlightening tour of Cley village past and present. Walk length approx. 2 miles. Booking essential.

Sat 16, The Burnhams Flower Show & Carnival. 2pm, Burnham Market Playing Field.

Traditional summer show for all the family.

Carnival parade & floats, marching band, funfair, teas and licensed bar.

CEDAR SPRINGS

HHHHH 4-5 star luxury selfcatering cottages

Where to stay along the Norfolk Coast

SELF CATERING LOG CABINS & LODGES

Spacious log cabins and cosy lodges in the lovely seaside village of Heacham on the Norfolk coast. Fantastic location. Just 5 minutes walk from the beach. Free WiFi. Sorry no pets.

www.cedarspringsholidays.co.uk

T. 01328 823135 www.norfolk-luxury-cottages.co.uk E. bookings@norfolk-luxury-cottages.co.uk

01485 570609 | cedar.springs@btinternet.com Bankside, Heacham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 7AU

CAMPING, GLAMPING & TOURING Diglea is a Friendly family run campsite on the N.W. Norfolk Coastline.

For further details T: 01485 541 367 E: diglea@hotmail.co.uk BOOK ONLINE: www.digleacaravanpark.com

BeachsideHolidays

Norfolk Your local independent agency for easy Holiday and friendly booking Homes

Norfolk

Tel 01493 730279 07375 297388

“the finest sea views in Norfolk”

One step away from your holiday….. pet friendly too!

Free brochure or book on line

www.norfolkholidayhomes.agency info@norfolkholidayhomes.agency

01485 534267

Self-catering seaside holiday accommodation in Great Yarmouth E: holidays@theseaside.org | www.beachside-holidays.co.uk

70a Westgate, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 5EP

01263 823010 keysholidaycottages.co.uk

Luxury holiday cottages on the Norfolk Coast Book your next holiday in North Norfolk with us!

TINSMITH’S HOUSE B&B AYLSHAM, NORFOLK NR11 6AL

tinsmithshouse.com

COAST-TINSMITH'S-2022.indd 1

A contemporary coastal cottage in the heart of a traditional seaside town. Nestled in a quiet spot just moments from the hustle & bustle, this spacious and luxurious cottage sleeps up to 6 guests and has views across the marshes and out to sea.

07875 131975 info@dovecottagewells.com www.dovecottagewells.com Dove Cottage, West Court, Freeman Street, Well-Next-The-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1BA

10/02/2022 18:15

• Each cottage has it’s own unique features • Fantastic coastal location • Central to many North Norfolk attractions • Free WiFi • Private off-road parking • Walking distance to the beach

07875 131975

info@brigsquare.com www.brigsquare.com

www.wintertoncottages.co.uk Tel: 01493 800645

Dog Friendly

EVENTS 39

NORFOLK COAST GUARDIAN 2022

Sun 17: Behind the scenes at Norfolk Collections Centre. 10am, Gressenhall, Dereham. See 15 May entry for more details Sun 17: The Untamed Cycling Event. 8am, Holkham Estate. The Untamed Gravel has been born from TPR Events’ success with Southwold Roubaix and RSPB Go Wild. Now it’s North Norfolk’s turn! A recreational cycle ride on paths, tracks and roads, the cycle will take you through beautiful countryside and villages and includes distances up to 100 miles.

Wed 20: Lexham Hall - Open Garden for NGS. 11am to 5pm, Lexham Hall, Litcham. Parkland with lake and river walks surround C17/18 Hall (not open). Formal garden with terraces, roses and mixed borders. Traditional working kitchen garden with crinkle-crankle wall.

Thurs 21: Circuit of Cley. 10.30am to 1pm.

See 19 May entry for more details Wed 27: Outdoor Theatre – Alice Through The Looking Glass. 6pm, Holkham Estate. Join Alice as she steps through the looking-glass, back into the delightful world of whimsy and mayhem that is Wonderland. Brought to you by local company Strange Fascination. Bring a picnic.

Wed 27: Sandringham Flower Show. 9am, Sandringham Estate, Sandringham. One of the most prestigious horticultural events in the East of England. The show attracts around 20,000 visitors each year.

Fri 29 to Aug 7: Wells Carnival. Wells-next-theSea. A traditional summer carnival for residents and visitors. A week of family fun and events including a Carnival Day procession.

AUGUST

different companies. But Illyria’s new, 2022 production will be the first to feature real flying!

Fri 5 to Sun 7: Wide Skies & Butterflies music festival. East Raynham, Fakenham. A 3-day music festival featuring big name artists, DJs and comedians. Family-friendly with areas and activities for teens and younger ones. Weekend or day tickets available with facilities for camping, glamping, VIP and live-In vehicles.

Sun 7: Black Shuck Sportive Cycling Event.

9am, Thursford Collection, Thursford. In 2019 over 400 riders took part in this cycling event based loosely on the previous haunts of the legendary black shuck hound. This year there are three routes of approximately 28 - 30 miles each and a family friendly up-to-10 mile route.

Tue 9: Outdoor Theatre, Cinderella. 6pm, Holkham Estate. Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company on Cinderella’s journey of a lifetime to a magical ball where nearly anything is possible, especially if it is before midnight.

Thu 11 to Sun 14: Houghton Festival.

Houghton Hall. This will be the first time this event will be restaged since 2018. Despite this Houghton Music & Arts Festival has gained a reputation as one of the must-go-to electronic festivals.

Fri 12 to Mon 15: Festival of Sport. Holkham Estate. After a hugely successful first year, Festival of Sport will be back at Holkham with an extra night added. The ultimate family sports festival, founded by Ex England rugby stars Will Greenwood and Austin Healey.

Sat 13 to Fri 19: Cromer Carnival Week.

Cromer. Taking place across three weeks in August, Cromer Carnival attracts thousands of people to the town every year especially on carnival day which falls on Wednesday 17th.

Various dates between May and October: Holkham Estate - Deer and Wildlife Safari; and The Grand Tractor Trailer Tour. See May entry for more details

Sun 14 to Sat 20: Hunstanton Lawn Tennis Week. Hunstanton. The 100th week-long tournament is said to be Britain’s largest event of its kind after Wimbledon, taking place on 38 grass courts. Starting at the Hunstanton Recreation Ground on Sunday, play will continue each day, through to all the finals on Saturday.

Tue 2: Outdoor Theatre, Peter Pan. 6pm, Holkham Estate. Peter Pan was first performed

by Illyria Theatre Company in 1997. It has been performed outdoors many times since by many

Wed 17: Outdoor Theatre, The Reluctant Dragon. 6pm, Holkham Estate. Quantum Theatre’s enchanting adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s, The Reluctant Dragon – a touching,

Throughout:

Sat 3 and Sun 4: North Norfolk Food Festival.

Holkham Hall. The festival takes place in the walled garden. Nestled within huge brick Fri 19 to Sun 21: Run Sandringham 24. and flint walls that offer protection from the Sandringham. A major new event in the elements, this is an ideal setting to East Anglian running calendar, Run celebrate the abundance Sandringham 24 will attract of Norfolk produce and a large field of runners of 18-20 November: culinary skill. all abilities to run a 24 Sandringham Estate Hour Race around the Sun 11: Behind the scenes hosts its annual Sandringham Estate and at Norfolk Collections Christmas Fair surrounding trails, while Centre. 10am, raising thousands of Gressenhall, Dereham. pounds for good causes.

See May 15 entry for more details Sun 21: Behind the scenes at Norfolk Fri 16: Clifton House Collections Centre. 10am, Guided Tour. 3.30pm, Gressenhall, Dereham. See King’s Lynn. Join the owners 15 May entry for more details of this Grade 1 listed private house for a tour of its amazing Wed 24: Outdoor Theatre, As You historic interiors dating from the 13th Like It. 6.30pm, Holkham Estate. The to the 18th centuries, including the 14thLord Chamberlain’s Men invite you to join them century vaulted under croft and the five-storey for the sparkling comedy, As You Like It. One Elizabethan tower. Tours can be booked via of the UK’s finest touring theatre companies Historic Houses website. present this great play as Shakespeare first saw it performed – in the open air. sweet and funny tale of bravery, friendship and derring-do for all the family.

Mon 29: Aylsham Show. Blickling Park.

Aylsham. A traditional Agricultural Show, but with exciting main ring and attractions. This year features The Imps, Wild West Display, Terry Grant Stunt Driver, the Hounds, Will and his Spaniels, Norfolk Police Horses/dogs and Chainsaw Arnie. Food Halls featuring local produce; farming and driving displays; competitions for cattle, sheep, goats, show horses and show jumping.

Wed 31: Outdoor Theatre, Rapunzel. 5.30pm, Holkham Estate. Immersion Theatre presents a witty, pantomimic, tongue in cheek retelling of the family favourite.

SEPTEMBER Throughout: Various dates between May and October: Holkham Estate - Deer and Wildlife Safari; and The Grand Tractor Trailer Tour. See May entry for more details

OCTOBER Throughout: Various dates between May and October: Holkham Estate - Deer and Wildlife Safari; and The Grand Tractor Trailer Tour. See May entry for more details Sun 16: Behind the scenes at Norfolk Collections Centre. 10am, Gressenhall, Dereham. See 15 May entry for more details

Mon 8 to Dec 23: Thursford Christmas Spectacular. Thursford. One of the most anticipated festive events in East Anglia, having attracted audiences from across the country since opening on Christmas Eve 1977. The show has a 130-strong cast and a budget of £1.8m.

Fri 18 to Sun 20: Sandringham Christmas Fair.

9am, Sandringham Estate, Sandringham.

Shop in comfort for all your Christmas gifts.

Sat 19 to Sun 20: Norfolk Artisan Fair at Christmas. 9.30am to 4pm, Fakenham Racecourse. Showcasing the very best that Norfolk has to offer with a range of food, drink and craft ideas perfect for Christmas.

THE NORFOLK COAST PARTNERSHIP E: aonb@norfolk.gov.uk W: www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk Funding Partners DEFRA; Norfolk County Council; North Norfolk District Council; Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk and Great Yarmouth Borough Council The Norfolk Coast Guardian is published

by Countrywide Publications on behalf of the Norfolk Coast Partnership. Printed by Newsquest.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. However, the publishers can accept no responsibility for any effects arising there from. Views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Norfolk Coast Partnership member organisations. All material copyright Norfolk Coast Partnership 2022.

NCP 05/22 – 60K

NOVEMBER Sat 5: Cliff Top Fireworks Display. 6pm, Cliff Top Car Park Lighthouse, Hunstanton. A perfect spot for a Guy Fawkes night celebration and the fireworks are big, loud and go on and on and on. Doors open 5pm and the giant bonfire before is lit at 6pm.

Thank you to all the writers and photographers who have contributed to this edition of the Norfolk Coast Guardian.

Christmas