Latest News

In this blog Chrissie discusses the history behind the native red squirrel, as well as the fine efforts and achievements made by great friend David Stapleford...

Our longest serving member of staff, Jean Moore first started working here, on the Pensthorpe Estate, approximately 35 years ago, before Pensthorpe Natural Park became the nature reserve it became today...

After recognising the demand for a local birdwatching club, good friends Alwyn Jackson and Ray Gribble set up the Wensum Valley Birdwatching Society in 2003.

Our September update highlights the species sighted, including teal, with a growing number of fungi on the reserve; including fly agaric and giant puffball

Our September update highlights the work carried out by the outdoor team in our Wader Aviary, as well as the last ever Corncrake release

This World Mental Health Day we have put together a few words and suggestions on how we can all help our mental health...

This week is National Red Squirrel Awareness Week. Here at Pensthorpe Natural Park, we work with the East Anglian Red Squirrel Group (EARSG), and have been breeding red squirrels successfully since 1998.

We’re celebrating 20 years of the stunning Millennium Garden – our wild, one-acre contemporary landscape designed by world-renowned Dutch plantsman, Piet Oudolf.

This August we are delighted to be celebrating 20 years of this floral delight and breathtaking garden, our Millennium Garden...

Our Head of Species Management, Chrissie, provides an update on a good brood of shelduck ducklings in the flamingo enclosure. Shelduck being one of the largest and most sociable duck species during breeding season.

Our May update highlights the species sighted, including nesting avocet, lapwing and little ringed plover, along with the growing number of dragonfly and damselfy species spotted.

As the gardens transition from spring to summer our Head Gardener, Jonathan, discusses the highlights from the last month including the challenges he faces and the beauty of sculpture that accentuates the gardens.

Our Head Gardener, Jonathan, updates you on how the gardens are looking in May and the challenges he is having to face with wildlife nesting in amongst the gardens and other creatures snacking on the plants!

This week has been exciting with new hatches of flamingo, Eurasian cranes, and the first corncrake chicks, all being reared by their parents with very different rearing strategies, which Chrissie explains. 

Our Seasonal Avicultural Warden, Amy Plows, guest blogs this week with a fascinating and insightful article all about the native nettle and its importance in providing a safe habitat for aphids.

Red-crowned cranes are the rarest species we have here at Pensthorpe. Pensthorpe Conservation Trust have a very special link with the species, thanks to the International Crane Foundation (ICF).

The wildlife is thriving here at Pensthorpe, with our resident birds and visiting wildlife getting ready to welcome new members of their family. Nesting season is underway here at Pensthorpe, with our flamingos currently sitting on fourteen eggs and two female corncrakes incubating.

The spring displays are looking fantastic in the Corten Infinity Garden here at Pensthorpe Natural Park. Our Wildlife Habitat Garden is also blooming after some heavy rain recently.

Our team that are still working hard on the reserve, looking after the wildlife, have been taking note of sightings, including the first lapwing chick, marsh harrier and a pair of cuckoo.

A joint conservation effort for the UK crane population has yielded impressive results, with a total population now believed to be over 200 birds - a new record.

Our Head of Species Management, Chrissie, reflects on what April has been like for the aviculture team whilst the nation is on lockdown, along with the projects coming up.

Our team who are still on site have collectively provided an update on what species have been spotted around the reserve during lockdown, including nesting species and wildlife that is emerging during spring.

Jonathan wrote this blog with a hope of inspiring those of you who are isolated at home to get outside into your gardens and enjoy the peace, tranquillity and beauty that can be found from all the different plant species that appear at this time of year.

Our Head Gardener, Jonathan, discusses the impact of the weather on the four gardens as well as the cut down of the Millennium Garden.

Our Reserve Manager, Richard, discusses the latest on the reserve; with topsy turvy weather and water levels fluctuating. Find out more about what has been happening on the reserve this month...

In this look back on February Chrissie discusses our five-month old Greater Flamingo chick, Hawaiian geese and development work carried out.

World Wildlife Day, a day to recognise and appreciate all wild animal and plant species to be crucial components to the world’s biodiversity. Our Wildlife Education officer, Allan has written a blog to highlight their importance.

This week being National Nest Box Week, we look back on a slightly alternative role that nest boxes play in their purpose...

Our Head Gardener, Jonathan, discusses the burst of scents and colours that currently permeate the four gardens; from the winter-flowering honeysuckle to the Witch Hazel, the scents from our gardens will certainly awaken your senses...

Our Reserve Manager, Richard, discusses the latest on the reserve; with heavy rainfall and duck numbers fluctuating. Find out more about what has been happening on the reserve this month...

Chrissie reflects on January discussing how two of our wardens attended the the BIAZA Native Species and Field Conservation Conference at Chester Zoo; attending talks on behalf of Pensthorpe Natural Park and the PCT as well as the annual bird count, an important part of our work and a key element of our zoological requirements...

To highlight the global significance of this habitat, our conservation experts here have written a blog to explain the challenges wetland habitats face and the part that our team plays in conserving wetlands.

This weekend event is a celebration of nature and wildlife in Norfolk, showcasing why Norfolk is renowned as ‘the birdwatching capital of Britain’. The event aims to bring together wildlife and bird enthusiasts alike...

Our Reserve Manager, Richard, discusses the latest on the reserve; with spectacular sightings of birds of prey and high water levels resulting in fluctuating duck numbers. Find out more about what has been happening on the reserve this month...

Our Head Gardener, Jonathan, discusses the reopening of the Mill Pond Bridge, the never-ending task of clearing leaves, as well as the temporary sculptures created to inject colour into the gardens at this time of year...

Chrissie discusses in her look back on December our long-time friend, Professor David Bellamy OBE, as well as the preparations taken for the red squirrels, as we head into a key mating period...

A tribute and look back on the fond memories of late Professor David Bellamy OBE...

Our Head Gardener, Jonathan, discusses the latest work carried out in the gardens ready for the new year...

Our Head of Species Manager, Chrissie, discusses the flamingo chick's progress despite the winter chill, as well as a new addition to our red squirrel family, Iris...