Norfolk Wildlife Trust Marks 100 Years with Free Access Weekend

Norfolk Wildlife Trust celebrates 100 years by offering free access to its sites, highlighting its founding history, conservation successes, and future ambitions with support from Sir David Attenborough.

Centenary Celebrations with Free Access

The Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT), the oldest wildlife trust in the UK, is commemorating its centenary by opening its sites to the public free of charge for three days. This special event will take place from Friday through Sunday as part of the trust's 100-year celebrations.

Founding and Historical Significance

NWT was established in 1926 by Dr Sydney Long, who purchased 435 acres of marshland at Cley next the Sea to serve as a permanent bird-breeding sanctuary. This acquisition was instrumental in the development of what has become a nationwide network of county wildlife trusts dedicated to conservation.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust A black and white photograph of the marshes at Cley next the Sea. — Dr Sydney Long bought Cley Marshes in 1926

Today, Cley Marshes attracts over 100,000 visitors annually, highlighting its importance as a conservation site and public resource.

Leadership and Vision

Chief Executive Eliot Lyne expressed pride in leading such a landmark organisation during this milestone year.

"It is a great honour to be at the helm of such a landmark organisation for UK nature conservation as it reaches this special milestone."

Regarding the free weekend event, Lyne remarked on the historical significance of the trust's origins and its ongoing mission.

"It's incredible to think that the UK-wide country wildlife trust movement began with the purchase of Cley Marshes a century ago,"

"Following 100 years of wildlife conservation in Norfolk, we have achieved so much — and honed the skills and experience to secure a wilder, healthier and more prosperous Norfolk into the next century.

However, Norfolk's nature still faces huge threats.

That's why we are raising our ambitions and looking forward to the next 100 years with hope."

John Fairhall/BBC Eliot Lyne is standing outside by a ditch in a field. He is standing on the left of the frame and is looking directly at the camera. He is wearing glasses and is wearing a black sweatshirt, shirt and grey jumper. — Eliot Lyne says NWT is looking forward to the next 100 years "with hope"

Special Message from David Attenborough

The centenary of NWT coincides with the 100th birthday of renowned broadcaster and natural historian Sir David Attenborough. In a special message to the trust, he extended his congratulations on their centenary achievement.

"I send my most sincere congratulations on achieving your centenary."

Sir David Attenborough personally visited Cley Marshes in June 2015 to inaugurate the Attenborough's Walk footpath, underscoring his connection to the trust and its conservation efforts.

Conservation Achievements and Recent Acquisitions

Over the past century, NWT has contributed to the recovery of several species in Norfolk, including the crane, bittern, purple emperor butterfly, and natterjack toad. These successes reflect the trust's commitment to biodiversity and habitat preservation.

In 2025, the trust expanded its reserve at Foxley Wood by acquiring 100 acres of ancient woodland. Parts of this woodland are designated as a site of special scientific interest and are believed to have existed for approximately 6,000 years, emphasizing the ecological value of this acquisition.