Wildlife

Pensthorpe takes it role as the 'Natural Centre of Norfolk' very seriously: supporting a wide range of conservation activities, and addressing the particular problems faced by a number of endangered and vulnerable species. Red squirrels, corncrakes, cranes and other rare birds have all benefited from assistance from the Pensthorpe Conservation Trust (PCT).

The PCT works in close association with the East Anglia Red Squirrel Breeding programme to help to protect this favourite of British wildlife. Once the only wild squirrel in Britain, the Red Squirrel has seen a dramatic decline following the release of its larger Grey cousins during the 19th century. These North American imports faced natural competition in their native environment, giving them an evolutionary advantage over our smaller, less aggressive Reds.

The establishment of the new breeding facility and enclosures at Pensthorpe mean that we are able to send surplus animals to Anglesey each year, as part of a co-ordinated effort to stem the decline in this well-loved mammal.

The PCT has also taken a key role in the work of the Nene Washes Breed and Release programme to support the long-term survival of corncrakes – a bird that was once a famous and familiar inhabitant of the Wensum Valley. Working in association with the RSPB and the Zoological Society of London, the PCT augments the supply of birds for the release programme, from its purpose-built breeding facility within the Conservation Centre.

The Great Crane Project is a partnership between the PCT, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the RSPB and Viridor Environment Company. Although they are known to be very sensitive to disturbance, farmland-nesting cranes tolerate human presence, and a group of cranes has bred in Norfolk over the last thirty years which demonstrates just how well the birds can successfully survive and breed in the UK.

Further details of the work of the PCT, including our Wildlife Friendly Farming techniques, can be found at www.pensthorpetrust.org.uk .