Discover nature at Springwatch reserve (From Dudley News)

Discover nature at Springwatch reserve

11:21am Tuesday 9th February 2010

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PENSTHORPE Nature Reserve & Gardens, near Fakenham, Norfolk, invites everyone of all ages to discover nature at the reserve which is famous for hosting BBC Springwatch.

Deb Jordan, co-owner of Pensthorpe, said: “Pensthorpe is so much more than just a nature reserve, with an incredible range of things to see and do. We are really looking forward to the coming year and welcoming visitors and families of all ages and interests to experience the wonderful natural world we have here.

"Everyone at Pensthorpe has been working hard over the winter months to make the overall visitor experience in 2010 even more exciting than ever.”

So what can visitors to Pensthorpe expect to see in 2010 and how can they discover more about nature? Aside from the established offering of flora and fauna, there is a whole range of new things to experience.

Pensthorpe is particularly proud of its red squirrel breeding programme, which aims to boost the number of these endangered – and rather appealing – creatures. A new purpose-built enclosure was created for them last year which proved so popular that the single pair of adults had two litters and produced eight kittens in 2009.

Many red squirrels have been successfully released into the wild on Anglesey and, with Pensthorpe’s help, the programme will continue to go from strength to strength in 2010.

The Wader Scrape is one the ‘must dos’ at Pensthorpe. This area of shallow water has provided much of the focus for Springwatch over the last two years, with characters such as Oyster Catchers Emi and Oscar, the rather aggressive male Little Ringed Plover. A brand new hide has now been positioned at the Scrape, providing wheelchair access and doubling the capacity for visitors so they can see these intriguing ‘personalities’ for themselves.

Visitors can also see the elegant White-naped Eurasian Cranes in their splendid new home. This marks the final stage and completion of the Great Eurasian Forest Exhibit which started in spring 2009 and includes the new red squirrel area.

To enable visitors to get the most out of their trip and help them find out as much as possible about nature, Pensthorpe has taken on full-time resident wildlife expert Thomas Spencer. Thomas’s knowledge of birds, mammals and insects is second to none and he will be a huge asset to the reserve and the overall visitor experience.

The Wildflower meadow at Pensthorpe is one of the largest and most significant in Norfolk and is still managed in the traditional way. A new boardwalk has been erected which will allow visitors year-round access to this area, while preserving the thriving species that live within it.

Pensthorpe is immensely proud of its Millennium Garden. Created in 1999 by world-famous, award-winning garden designer Piet Oudolf, the stunning area includes 100 different species of perennials and over 20 types of grass.

Oudolf has redesigned the garden, his first ever such project, and the staff at Pensthorpe have spent the last year replanting the entire garden and in September 2010 it will be finished. This is a massive undertaking for both Pensthorpe and Piet and garden lovers are advised to take a trip to view what promises to be a magnificent transformation.

An event at Pensthorpe is always a special occasion, and in 2010 they are more exciting than ever.

On May 22 Wildlife presenter Chris Packham will be opening the hugely popular ‘Wild About the Wensum’ event. This is an event for all the family and a great opportunity to celebrate the natural history and heritage of the Wensum Valley, with a range of activities from a mini beast exploration to guided walks, nature quizzes and treasure hunts. The established annual Pensthorpe Gardening, Craft & Food Fair provides a wonderful day out, combining stunning plants, beautiful crafts and delicious food. On June 5 and 6 top nurseries from around the county will show off their plants, while visitors can discover tantalising tastes and aromas in the Food Marquee.

New to the events calendar for 2010 is the Orchid Weekend. On June 26 and 27, orchid specialists will be selling orchids, putting on displays and giving talks over the weekend. And you can see the stunning range of orchids which grow in the Wildlife flower Meadow by taking a tour with a Pensthorpe Warden.

If you want to travel back in time, then don’t miss Pensthorpe’s annual Mediaeval Spectacular on August 28, 29 and 30.

Here you can see military camps, wood turners, a mediaeval market and traditional children’s entertainment, including a barber surgeon at work pulling teeth - not for the faint-hearted! Roar at the soldiers training for combat and marvel at the accuracy of the archers. There’s also a chance to see costumed craftsmen making and selling their historical wares. This is Norfolk’s largest historical re-enactment and brings to life the sights and smells of this fascinating bygone era.

There are also many other new activities for 2010, such as courses and workshops in wildlife photography, painting and quilting. Visitors can also take part in one of the numerous guided walks that take in the natural splendor of Pensthorpe throughout the seasons and give visitors a unique opportunity to see the reserve out of hours in small groups on a personalised tour with Pensthorpe staff.

Visit www.pensthorpe.com or call 01328 851465 for more information and opening times.

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