Norfolk favourite Alan Partridge has added another jewel to his crown, by creating a garden for the RHS Hampton Court Palace, which will then be relocated to Pensthorpe. Alan Partridge, played by Steve Coogan, designed The Alan Partridge Sound Bath Garden in collaboration with Norfolk-based design company Carey Garden Design Studio. The design showcases the… Read more »

The day was intermittently cloudy but bright, and with a cool breeze, so very comfortable for birding but perhaps more sunshine would have improved numbers, especially of flying insects, and perhaps also raptors. I was greeted on arrival with the distant call of a male cuckoo from the woods behind the Wensum Wetland, and this… Read more »

Pensthorpe is welcoming artists from across the UK as part of a specially curated seasonal Sculpture Trail, opening to the public on Saturday 7th June 2025. Sculpture has long since been a mainstay in the gardens of the 700-acre reserve on the outskirts of Fakenham, but this summer, eight artists are sharing their work as… Read more »

If you go down to the Wildflower Meadow you should see the work of the Reserve volunteers and staff. Over the last few weeks, the team has worked hard replacing two long sections of boardwalk, including supporting timbers and tread boards. The boardwalk is a definite place to visit and the perfect platform to observe… Read more »

We’re able to share the amazing news that we won a Norfolk 2025 Muddy Stilettos Award, in the ‘Best Family Experience,’ category. The awards are all voted for by you, which makes winning extra special. Thank you to everyone that took the time to nominate and let Muddy Stilettos know you love Pensthorpe as much… Read more »

From historic use as livestock barriers, to becoming wildlife corridors, hedgerows are important features in the farmed landscape, including here at Pensthorpe, where over three miles of hedgerows criss-cross the site. In the one thousand plus years that hedgerows have been a part of the British countryside, wildlife has utilised them and they have become… Read more »

We have so many brilliant people that come to the reserve, and share their sightings with us. Here is a recent blog from Sue Gale after her visit here: At last!  A beautiful morning for a Pensthorpe count – my first.  Sunny and not too windy.  Cath, Ray and I started out in the carpark… Read more »

After 19 years of success, Pensthorpe hands over pioneering breeding and release projects to a dedicated new trust Pensthorpe Conservation Trust (PCT) is marking the end of an era – and the start of a new chapter, as it officially passes on two of its most significant native species conservation programmes to a new site… Read more »

In February we shared the news we were planning a huge refurbishment of the Courtyard Café, and it’s time for an exciting update! From 12 May, work is starting to create the incredible new space, due to complete in autumn 2025. Our goal for the redevelopment, among other things, is to help limit queues and… Read more »