Our nominated charity - Wheatfen

This year we have decided to support the Ted Ellis Trust - founded to preserve one of the few remaining areas of the once extensive Yare Valley swamp, Wheatfen Broad. This is a strange primitive area recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and we want to help the trust to preserve its rich and fragile ecology. It is, undoubtedly, one of the most important sites of its kind in Britain. As the patron of the Trust, David Bellamy said, "Wheatfen Broad is, in its way, as important as Mount Everest or the giant redwood forests of North America. It is probably the best bit of fenland we have because we know so much about it. That is purely because one man gave his life trying to understand it - Ted Ellis".

 

One of the many beautiful waterways to be found at Wheatfen.

 

As you can guess from the surname, Ted Ellis (Edward Augustine Ellis DSc FLS 1909-1986) was a much loved family member, as well as a well-known writer and broadcaster. He spent a lifetime devoted to natural history and for the last forty years of his life lived with his family at Wheatfen Broad in Surlingham. He was a man who had the ability to communicate his enthusiasm for nature to everyone and we wish to continue this with our support.

When arranging a holiday with us we will ask you to make a £1 donation on booking. It's not much really, but with your help we can ensure Wheatfen and its wildlife remains accessible for the enjoyment and education of children, students and visitors like you.

 

Another scenic part of Wheatfen that kind donations from our customers are helping to preserve for years to come.

 

We do hope you will find the time to visit Wheatfen during your holiday. if you do you are sure to witness many spectacles including dragonflies; birds including Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers, Reed Buntings, Marsh Harriers, Bearded Tits and Cetti's Warblers; butterflies such as Brimstone, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral; and also rich plantlife from Meadow Rue, Meadowsweet and Yellow Iris to Valerian, Marsh Orchids and Yellow Loosestrife.

Wheatfen is truly a place that enriches all the senses...

For more information, please visit http://www.wheatfen.org/.