The United Kingdom’s oldest wildlife trust opens its reserves to the public at no cost over a special three-day weekend to mark its centenary. Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT), established in 1926 by Dr. Sydney Long, began with the purchase of 435 acres of marshland at Cley-next-the-Sea to create a permanent bird-breeding sanctuary. Today, Cley Marshes draws over 100,000 visitors annually and served as the foundation for a national network of county wildlife trusts.
Centenary Milestone and Free Access Event
NWT’s “free weekend in nature” takes place from Friday through Sunday. Chief Executive Eliot Lyne highlights the significance: “It is a great honor to lead such a landmark organization for UK nature conservation during this special milestone.”
Lyne reflects on the trust’s origins: “It’s incredible to think that the UK-wide county wildlife trust movement started with the purchase of Cley Marshes a century ago.” After 100 years of conservation efforts in Norfolk, the trust has made substantial progress and built expertise to ensure a wilder, healthier future.
Despite achievements, Norfolk’s wildlife faces ongoing threats. Lyne adds, “That’s why we are raising our ambitions and looking forward to the next 100 years with hope.”
Message from David Attenborough
The centenary coincides with naturalist David Attenborough’s 100th birthday. In a message to NWT, he states: “I send my most sincere congratulations on achieving your centenary.” Attenborough personally opened the Attenborough’s Walk footpath at Cley Marshes in June 2015.
Key Conservation Wins
NWT has aided the recovery of species such as the crane, bittern, purple emperor butterfly, and natterjack toad in Norfolk. In 2025, the trust expanded its Foxley Wood reserve by acquiring 100 acres of ancient woodland. Parts of this site of special scientific interest date back 6,000 years.
