It captured the hearts and imagination of thousands of people, from daily visitors to conservationists as far afield as the marshes in Iraq and New Zealand. Bird watchers, tourists, local people and businesses and wildlife supporters from all over the country have made Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s vision for Cley Marshes and the north Norfolk coast a reality: as our fundraising appeal reaches its target of £2.6 million.
NWT has been fundraising since July 2012 to secure Pope’s Marsh between its nature reserves at
Cley and
Salthouse Marshes, creating an 8km stretch of coast in conservation care. NWT is also to build a new
flagship wildlife education centre alongside the current visitor centre, in memory of local naturalist, Simon Aspinall.
More than £900,000 has been donated by members of NWT, the general public, businesses and charitable trusts. This includes a significant anonymous donation given to ensure NWT reached its target. Locally, the Geoffrey Watling Charity and the Otter Trust each donated £100,000. And NWT secured a Heritage Grant of £1.5million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
More than 5,000 donations were made over almost two years and the amount raised has made this the most successful single appeal in the Trust’s 88 year history. Local people took the initiative and co-ordinated their
own fundraising events. Open gardens, art exhibitions and over 40,000 “appeal biscuits” sold were just some of the ways in which the community went full steam ahead to ensure NWT raised the vital funds to secure Pope’s Marsh and realise its wider vision.
Chief Executive of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Brendan Joyce said: “It has been two years since Norfolk Wildlife Trust was first approached about Pope’s Marsh and our vision for Cley Marshes truly took shape, incorporating vital new land and an education centre to inspire and inform our many thousands of visitors.
“What followed was an intensive period of fundraising and two goals: £1million to secure that land as part of a wider target of £2.6 million target to build the Simon Aspinall Wildlife Education Centre and develop a three-year events programme.
“I am delighted to announce that an incredible £2.6million has been raised to fund the project. There is no doubt that this is an historic achievement and I am truly moved at what we are now able to deliver for the conservation, enjoyment and understanding of Norfolk’s coastal habitats We are still receiving donations even now and while we have reached our target, these donations will still play a vital role supporting restoration of Pope’s Marsh in particular.
“The delivery of this project has begun and I look forward to updating you on its progress. In the meantime, as we are now the proud owners of Pope’s Marsh and on the cusp of building the Simon Aspinall Wildlife Education Centre. I would like to thank everyone for the incredible and history-making support.”
The purchase of Pope’s Marsh has expanded NWT Cley Marshes by one third (143 acres). NWT will now create more reed bed, grazing marsh and freshwater for the rare marsh harriers, bitterns, bearded tits, otters, water voles and avocets which live in it and for the 110,000 people who visit each year.
The Simon Aspinall Wildlife Education Centre will enable education and events for visitors to Cley Marshes each year. A diverse programme of events and educational activities for families, visitors, groups and local communities is being developed.
Phillip Venning, Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Committee Member said: “This project is fantastic for wildlife and visitors alike. The marshes already have an international reputation and this will be strengthened by the work that will now take place, ensuring that even more visitors can enjoy the beauty of the area.”