Foxley Wood, which is hosting a mini-beast hunt on May 30Photo: IAN BURT
- Credit: Ian Burt
From bird-watchers flocking to spot a rare creature to a record year for a seal colony, here are nine of Norfolk s wildlife highlights from 2020.
1. Rare eagle seen over Norfolk after UK extinction 240 years ago
White tailed sea eagles have been seen on a number of occasions in Norfolk during 2020
- Credit: RSPB
The bird of prey became extinct in the UK during the 18th century, but has been successfully reintroduced off the west coast of Scotland and also on the Isle of Wight last year.
David Thompson, who has been made an MBE.
- Credit: Submitted
A stalwart of the county which became his home 25 years ago has been recognised for his contribution in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
The honours list was published on Wednesday night, and nationally included names such as actress Sheila Hancock and Formula One s Lewis Hamilton.
And Elizabeth Armstrong was given a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to archaeology and to the community in Norwich.
David Thompson, 68, of Costessey, Norwich, has been made an MBE for services to architecture and to the community in Norfolk.
Published:
10:30 AM December 20, 2020
Updated:
11:13 AM December 20, 2020
Hethel Old Thorn is a Norfolk Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve - the smallest in the UK
- Credit: Rowan Mantell
Some of the most remarkable trees in Norfolk range from a prehistoric fenland bog oak to the first cricket bat willow, and are linked with people from Pocahontas to Hitler
Smallest
Hethel Old Thorn is said to the be smallest nature reserve in the UK. The hawthorn bush, aka Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Hethel Old Thorn reserve, can be reached by a public footpath beside ancient Hethel church.
Oldest
A sweet chestnut tree in Holt Hall woods is believed to have begun growing before the Norman Conquest, making it more than 1,000 years old. In Hockering Wood some of the lime trees of the third largest lime wood in Britain might be even older.
Dog attacks a swan at Whitlingham Country Park at Trowse.
- Credit: Submitted
Dog-walkers are being urged to take extra care following an attack by a dog on a swan at a Norfolk country park.
The encounter between the large bird and a spaniel that leaped into the water at Whitlingham Country Park at Trowse was captured in pictures by onlookers. The tussle saw the dog biting the swan which fought to free itself.
Dog attacks a swan at Whitlingham Country Park at Trowse.
- Credit: Submitted
The park is popular with Norwich dog owners. Its policy states: “When walking your dog please respect the wildlife as well as the other park users by keeping your dog under effective control. Ground nesting birds are particularly sensitive to disturbance by dogs and people.”
Dog attacks a swan at Whitlingham Country Park at Trowse.
- Credit: Submitted
Dog-walkers are being urged to take extra care following an attack by a dog on a swan at a Norfolk country park.
The encounter between the large bird and a spaniel that leaped into the water at Whitlingham Country Park at Trowse was captured in pictures by onlookers. The tussle saw the dog biting the swan which fought to free itself.
Dog attacks a swan at Whitlingham Country Park at Trowse.
- Credit: Submitted
The park is popular with Norwich dog owners. Its policy states: “When walking your dog please respect the wildlife as well as the other park users by keeping your dog under effective control. Ground nesting birds are particularly sensitive to disturbance by dogs and people.”