Pensthorpe Natural Park

Pensthorpe Natural Park is a significant nature reserve and conservation center located in the village of Pensthorpe, Norfolk, England. Spanning 700 acres, the park is characterized by its diverse landscapes, including the River Wensum, which flows through the site and is recognized as a Special Area of Conservation. The park's origins trace back to the 1980s when it was first established as a nature reserve by Bill Makins. It underwent a new phase of development and stewardship when Bill and Deb Jordan, of Jordans cereals, purchased the site in 2003.

Conservation Efforts and Partnerships

A key component of Pensthorpe's mission is its dedication to species and habitat conservation. This is actively pursued through the Pensthorpe Conservation Trust (PCT), a charitable trust formed in January 2003. The PCT collaborates closely with the natural park, aiming to highlight the critical importance of biodiversity. Their work extends to national conservation programs through partnerships with various organizations. These collaborations focus on the conservation of wetland and farmland bird species and include significant projects such as Operation Turtle Dove, The Great Crane Project, and vital re-introduction initiatives for species like red squirrels and corncrakes.

Historical Discoveries and Media Presence

During the extensive excavation work undertaken to create the park's lakes and wader scrapes, significant archaeological finds were made. These included a hand axe believed to date from 8000 BC, as well as tusks and a tooth from a woolly mammoth, offering a glimpse into the site's ancient past. Pensthorpe Natural Park has also gained recognition through its appearances in popular media. It served as the filming location for the BBC's esteemed nature program, Springwatch, from May 2008 to 2010. Furthermore, the park was the setting for the first episode of the BBC television series Great British Garden Revival, which first aired in December 2013.