Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, host of BBC Springwatch and famous for nature and conservation in Norfolk, is hosting the fourth action-packed ‘Wild About the Wensum’ day (www.wildaboutthewensum.blogspot.com) on Saturday May 22nd 2010 from 10am to 5pm. The event coincides with the 2010 International Day of Biodiversity which sees events around the world highlighting the importance of our habitat and wildlife.

Visitors will find local craft demonstrations, mobile making, face painting, a bird radio tracking game, bird identification sessions with local experts and many more games and adventures. Music will be provided by Rig a Jig Jig. There will also be a hog roast and barbecue.

David Hunter, Chairman of North Norfolk Tourism Roundtable and CE of Fakenham Racecourse who are sponsoring the event, said: “The Pensthorpe Conservation Trust is to be thoroughly commended and supported in their initiative to enlighten, engage and enthuse the public in the unique day out – Wild About the Wensum.”

He adds: “This one day event, which is in its fourth year, goes from strength to strength and provides the perfect opportunity for people of all ages to understand and appreciate the rich wildlife and fauna that is found in the Wensum River Valley. It is a day full of fun, education and enjoyment and is completely free to everyone. You just can’t beat it.”

Commenting on the wild day out Tim Nevard, Trustee of the Pensthorpe Conservation Trust said: “Wild About the Wensum’ is an event for all the family and is a great opportunity to celebrate the natural history and heritage of the Wensum Valley. You can expect numerous activities including mini beast explorations, guided walks, nature quizzes, treasure hunts and so much more.”

“The River Wensum is designated as a Special Area for Conservation (SAC) by the European Union and Natural England and we are delighted that Fakenham Race Course, Morrisons and Fakenham Learning Partnership are supporting this year’s event to help us conserve this fabulous, internationally-recognised landscape.”

Admission to Pensthorpe and the event is free on the day, with a nominal £4 car parking charge per vehicle to help make it financially sustainable and to encourage car sharing.

Deb Jordan, Pensthorpe’s owner said: “This is our fourth annual Wild About the Wensum celebration. Last year over 4,000 people attended the event and we hope that many more local people will take the opportunity to come on May 22nd to discover this amazing natural world on their doorstep.”

Why Celebrate the River Wensum in Norfolk?

– The River Wensum has been awarded Europe’s highest level of conservation protection and designated a ‘Special Area of Conservation’.

– The River Wensum is the only river between the Thames and the Humber to have this designation.

It is celebrated for its outstanding chalk river fauna, including brown trout, white-clawed crayfish, Desmoulin’s whorl snail, otters and a large number of dragonfly and damselfly species. It is also important for the unspoiled nature of its catchment area and the quality of its aquatic flora.

For more information about the International Day of Biodiversity, visit www.biodiversity-day.info/bday2010-national.html?&L=0, www.cbd.int/2010/about.

Pensthorpe Nature Reserve is on the A1067, one mile from Fakenham.

Open all year, April to December 10am to 5pm and January to March 10am to 4pm.

Courtyard Café serving home-cooked food; Gift Shop with a large range of stylish and unusual items; free parking. Tel 01328 851465, www.pensthorpe.com.