Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Cley Marshes nature reserve, near Holt, is to offer a weekend of Christmas and nature themed events. From 1-3 December, a mix of indoor and outdoor activities have been arranged to welcome all ages to the centre, including family birdwatching sessions and a winter folk gig.
On the Friday, visitors can join a guided coastal walk with expert, local author and naturalist, David North. Conversations with the Landscape will take a route across the open coastal marshes to Blakeney, with the option of a slightly more sheltered walk up to Salthouse Heath, as determined by weather conditions on the day. For adults who would like to learn more about the visiting winter wildfowl, a specialist birding workshop will be running, named Winter Wildfowl and Waders.
© Frederic Landes
On Saturday 2 December, beach-goers can do a good Christmas deed by joining NWT on a beach clean to help coastal wildlife. This mindful activity on the shoreline also offers the opportunity to spot marine wildlife, such as seals, and so-called ‘mermaid’s purses’ – the egg cases of sharks and rays. All equipment is provided and all ages welcome. Meet at Salthouse beach road at 10.30am to take part; warm clothes advised.
© Frederic Landes
Also on the Saturday, a family bird watching session – Brilliant Birds – will tell all about the species that spend the winter at Cley, many having flown in all the way from the Arctic. The family activities continue on the Sunday as Christmas-meets-nature for a crafts day, which will be available to drop in on free of charge in the education centre.
The headline act takes place on Saturday evening: a cosy folk gig courtesy of four-piece ensemble The Norfolk Broads.
© Frederic Landes
The Guardian said: “[The] young female quartet the Norfolk Broads are strong storytellers…Their close harmonies brought a witty feminist take to a well-curated set of tales of impotence, greedy landlords, and the joys of a single life.”
A returning act to Cley, this often sell-out evening is always paired with the Visitor Centre’s famously tasty homemade mince pies.
