Today Blakeney Point celebrated 100 years of protection and management by the National Trust. In 1912 the Point was purchased for the Trust by Charles Rothschild (founder of what later became the Wildlife Trust movement) and Professor Oliver (UCL) in order to protect and preserve the amazing flora and fauna, for which it is still famous today. Back then Bob Pinchen, a local wildfowler and gunner, was just crossing the dividing line between shooting and conservation and became the Trust's first 'Watcher'. Bob was a rum ol chap and a far cry from the wardens of today. In 2012 the team has expanded and much has changed. The only thing that hasn't changed is the need to protect the Point's now internationally important wildlife. It almost seemed an anticlimax after 100 years of hard work by six wardens, countless other members of staff, the illustrious members of its advisory committee, the late nights put in by Iain Wolfe to organise the event and all of the local people who have contributed to and enjoyed the reserve over the years. But the day was a great success. It was relaxed, beautifully warm and enjoyed by all who attended. We all think that it was a fitting celebration of a wonderful reserve. To celebrate we held a day of guided walks and unveiled a new commemorative plaque of the Point, toasted with a glass of buck's fizz and a cake in the shape of the Lifeboat House made by Victoria Francis and Brian Egan.
Photo by Richard Porter
Photo by Edward Stubbings
Photo by Richard Porter
Photo by Victoria Francis
The guided walks were a great success and, apart from talking about the social history of the Point, we saw a Hobby chasing Starlings and Swallows, Grayling and Gatekeeper butterflies and this handsome Pied Flycatcher (below). A great day.
Photo by Joe Cockram
More photographs of the centenary celebrations can be found here
- Eddie
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