Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, England

Pensthorpe Nature Reserve Nature Reserve in Fakenham, Norfolk, England

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There are so many ways to enjoy the beautiful surroundings here at Pensthorpe. Whether you want to explore the great wildlife walks, learn about our conservation projects, indulge in a spot of retail therapy, take lunch in our Courtyard Café, or just enjoy some of the best local gardens and birdlife for miles around, there is something to suit every taste. Three stunning gardens, The Millennium Garden (designed by international plantsman Piet Oudolf), Julie Toll's Wave Garden and the Wildlife Habitat Garden provide year-round colour and interest alongside stunning wildflower and water meadows. Children will love feeding the birds, pond dipping, completing their very own Nature Quiz and discovering minibeasts on the Bug Walk before letting off steam in the adventure play area or joining in on the Wensum Discovery Landrover Tour. The reserve hosts special events, shows and activities all year round including daily, summer long activities in the Nature Explorers Tent, a Mediaeval Spectacular with marauding vikings heading for shore in their long boat, spooky Halloween Half Term special, specialist plant days to inspire garden lovers and floodlit winter feeds that give you the opportunity to experience the beauty of our winter visitors up close. The Pensthorpe Conservation Trust (PCT) was formed in January 2003 and established as a centre of excellence in ecological restoration. Its focus is the captive breeding of threatened species, particularly those associated with wetlands, such as cranes and wildfowl (ducks, geese and swans); ecologically sustainable farming; plus habitat restoration and management. The pct work in partnership with the Great Crane Project, Nene Washes Corncrake Project and the East Anglian Red Squirrel Group breeeding and rearing red squirrels for release. Located at Pensthorpe, Norfolk, about one mile from Fakenham and close to the A1067 road. The reserve covers 600 acres with the River Wensum running through the site, is a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The reserve was the location of the bbc programme Springwatch from May 2008 2009 & 2010