We asked Hetty and Andrew, two of our Wilder Wardens, to share their experience with us:

How did you get interested in nature conservation and wildlife?

Andrew:

I've always enjoyed being in nature and trying to spot wildlife. As I've gotten older I've taken more notice of people like Sir David Attenborough and Chris Packham saying that we need to be more mindful of our environment.

Hetty:

My Dad is an ecologist and works with river wildlife so I have always been surrounded by wildlife and nature. When I was younger I used to feed a baby robin which would come into our garden every day. We also used to care for hedgehogs who were too small and feed them until they were well enough to go into hibernation.

What prompted you to join our NWT Wilder Wardens group?

Andrew:

I met Isabelle at a careers fair towards the end of 2022 and got talking to her about Wilder Wardens. As I'm interested in studying environmental science when I go to college I thought this would be ideal for me.

Hetty:

I always wanted to help wildlife. I found out about Wilder Wardens by going to an open evening at Sheringham High School and signed up to be contacted.

What have you enjoyed about being a Wilder Warden?

Hetty:

I have most enjoyed watching baby tawny owls being ringed. I also especially enjoyed seeing the cranes, as I have never seen them before. I really enjoy going to these sessions as they have allowed me to make new friends and I can help wildlife at the same time.

Andrew:

So far, the part of being a Wilder Warden I've enjoyed the most has to be when we went out on a boat on the broad itself and did some birdwatching, as well as spotting the rare swallowtail butterfly.

What are you hoping to get out of volunteering with NWT?

Hetty:

I am hoping that I will be better able to help our local environment, as this is really important to me.

Andrew:

I'm hoping to get a better understanding of things we need to do to help preserve wildlife, not just in Norfolk.

If you were prime minister, what would you do to help nature thrive?

Andrew:

If I were prime minister, I would make it standard that every building has a green roof, providing wildflowers for pollinators and soaking up rainwater. I would make sure that every town and city has wild areas, to help bugs and insects and for the general public's wellbeing.

Hetty:

If I was prime minister I would reintroduce even more species such as beavers, as they really help by creating habitats for other animals. I would also try to stop single-use plastics being used as they pollute the environment.

What is your favourite wild space in Norfolk and why?

Hetty:

My favourite wild spaces in Norfolk are often places such as wildflower meadows and wild woods that aren't interfered with by humans very much. I really like Natural Surroundings in Bayfield as it has all of these things and is along the River Glaven. There is something there for everyone.

Andrew:

My favourite wild space in Norfolk has to be Cley Marshes because it doesn't matter what time of year you go. There is always something to see or do. I love seeing spoonbills, egrets, grey herons and cormorants and also enjoy the local landscape and other wildlife.