Pensthorpe Wildlife & Gardens located near Fakenham in North Norfolk, combines stunning areas of wetland, gardens, meadows, farmland and even a conservation centre giving families a fantastic opportunity to discover and enjoy nature.

Pensthorpe was home to BBC Springwatch (2008-10) and continues to captivate visitors with its unique surroundings and thousands of bird, plant and wildlife species who call it home.

The Reserve attracts families, walkers, gardeners and bird spotters, all keen to see the beautiful surroundings and the very special selection of species that either live there permanently or migrate to the expansive wetland area throughout the year.

The Pensthorpe Estate provides a perfect natural environment which is rewarded by birds such as Avocets, Lapwings, Little Ringed Plovers and Kingfishers, to name but a few, who breed there. The Pensthorpe Conservation Trust is involved in important and high profile work to breed and reintroduce rarer species such as Cranes, Corncrakes and Red Squirrels in National breed and release programmes.

For families, there is a host of interactive events and activities to take part in. Daily Feeds, Pond Dipping and the Wildlife Tracker Trail are just a few of the popular permanent features which engage children and teach them about their surroundings

Another highlight for visitors is the Wensum Discovery Tour, an informative and adventurous way to explore Pensthorpe. Visitors simply hop aboard the Land Rover and trailer then weave through ‘behind the scenes’ areas of the whole estate. An expert guide will tell you all you need to know about Pensthorpe from the Ice Age up to present day and will also point out any species which happen to fly past!

For those who prefer a more leisurely day out the spectacular gardens are a must:-

The Millennium Garden, which contains 100 different species of perennials and over 20 types of grass, is most notable having been designed by world-renowned plantsman Piet Oudolf. It first launched in 1999, with an anniversary re-launch in 2010 after a series of re-planting. The garden has been a huge undertaking for both Pensthorpe and Piet, so garden lovers are advised to take a trip to view what promises to enrapture visitors all year round.

As well as the Millennium Garden there is also the lush and prosperous Wave Garden, the beautiful and natural Wildflower Meadow, one of the largest in the region, and the Wildlife Habitat Garden which encourages colourful insects and butterflies to take up residence but also gives you hints and tips for what you can do at home to attract wildlife into your outdoor space.

An event at Pensthorpe is always a special occasion and 2012 is no exception:-

For February half term Pensthorpe is calling all Young Nature Explorers to Migrate to Pensthorpe! This event encourages children to take a fun and educational look at the lives of our feathered friends. Between 10am and 4pm on 11th to 19th February there’s nest building, nature trails and a chance to spot birds such as Long-tailed Tits, Tufted Ducks, Buzzards and Tawny Owls, as well as the usual fun out on the Reserve. A must for wildlife explorers! Included in normal admission price.

NEW FOR 2012! The Pensthorpe 10K Challenge on Sunday 26th February is a wild run through the winding tracks of the stunning Nature Reserve. All those competing will receive a goody bag plus a reduced rate into the Reserve on the day to relax and unwind after the run. First race 9.30am, Under 12s Race 9.45am and Final Race 10am. For more info or to book, e-mail [email protected] or call 07737 631 205. Adults £10 to enter, children £5.

Between 31st March and 15th April, the Easter Eggs-travaganza returns to Pensthorpe and is an egg-stra special way to see and learn about wildlife over Easter! Take part in the Easter Trail around the Reserve, learn fascinating facts about the birds and animals that are associated with Easter and answer all the questions correctly to win a special prize! 10am – 5pm daily. Included in normal admission price.

NEW for 2012! On 5th to 7th May take a step back in time at the visually stunning, traditional May Festival! Meet famous historical characters such as the Queen Elizabeth I, the Green Man and Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Take part in the Archery Contest, see a Wicker Man being built by a native Celt tribesman to celebrate Beltane, dance around the May Pole to live music from Tudor minstrels and if that wasn’t enough, take part in hobby horse races and design your own floral headdress! Stunning re-enactments will bring history to life and visitors can enjoy the hog roast and real ale tent whilst enjoying the sights and sounds of celebration through the ages! 10am – 5pm. Included in normal admission price.

Saturday 19th May sees the return of Wild about the Wensum, a charity event hosted by the Pensthorpe Conservation Trust where visitors can find out about the stunning Wensum Valley. What makes this area so unique? Which creatures call it home? How can visitors and local residents help to protect it? This educational event from 10am – 5pm is an inspiring insight into the natural environment. No admission fee but £4 parking charge applies.

The Gardening Craft and Food Fair takes place between 10am and 5pm on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd June and is a landmark event which celebrates delicious food, stunning plants and the intricate beauty of craft-making. Top nurseries from across the county will showcase their plants while visitors can sample local delicacies in the Food Marquee.  Entry is £4 for adults and £2 for children plus visitors can take advantage of a reduced rate into the Reserve over this weekend.

Summer Fun and Wildlife Games between 21st July and 5th September is a marathon way to make the most of the school holidays. Test your skill, speed, knowledge and creativity in a selection of fun, self-guided Summer Activities. Bring the family and challenge them to a host of interactive nature-themed games – who will win gold? There is a prize for those who complete the trail and answer all the questions correctly! Included in normal admission price.

The titanic event of the summer is the historical Mediaeval Spectacular on 25th to 27th August. Back by popular demand this special event will take you back in time with a life size Viking Long Boat launched from the shores on one of the lakes before hitting land for battle re-enactments, jousting, wood turners, a Mediaeval market, archery demonstration, barber surgeon and traditional children’s entertainment. This is Norfolk’s largest historical reenactment and brings to life the sights and smells of this fascinating era between 10am and 5pm. Normal admission price applies.

Calling all keen gardeners! Saturday 15th September sees the return of the Norfolk Nursery Network Event showcasing the plants and produce from the county’s finest independent nurseries. There will be a vast selection of plants on sale and horticultural experts will be on hand, along with Pensthorpe’s own Head Gardener Imogen Checketts, to answer questions.  Entry is just £2 p/person and the event runs from 10am to 5pm.

Mixing Halloween with nature is the spooky Trick or Tweet event over October half term between 27th October – 4th November. Our spine chilling self-guided trail around the Reserve will challenge adventurers to uncover a host of fang-tastic facts and solve mysterious puzzles. There will be prizes for those who complete the trail and those who come dressed in freaky fancy dress! Included in normal admission price.

The Father Christmas Floodlit Feeds is one of Norfolk’s most atmospheric and serene seasonal experiences and is back between 15th and 23rd December. Father Christmas flies in to help the Pensthorpe wardens with their daily 4pm feed then go and meet him in his wintery grotto! The Father Christmas Floodlit Feeds are £3 for adults and £6 for children. The children’s price includes a visit to Father Christmas’ grotto, floodlit feed and gift. Places are limited, booking is essential.

Along with themed events, there are quilting, photography and painting courses running throughout the year as well as guided morning or evening walks on selected days.

So for anyone keen to discover nature and much more in 2012, there is no better place to go than Pensthorpe.

Visit www.pensthorpe.com or call 01328 851465 for more information and opening times.