Posts Tagged ‘enjoy norfolk’
2011 is proving to be a bumper year for grey seals pups on Blakeney Point.
Blakeney Point’s grey seal breeding season for winter 2011 has already broken the records, with more than 750 pups born from early November to mid-December.
Grey seals on Blakeney Point, north Norfolk. ©National Trust
There continues to be a meteoric rise in the grey seal population, with the first recorded seal pup born in 1988 and by 2001 an established breeding colony of 25 pups born on Blakeney Point. Since then, the population has increased year on year to some 779 new pups born in 2011, with the number expected to exceed over 850 pups.
Graham Lubbock, one of the National Trust’s warden’s on the north Norfolk coast, is delighted with the season’s success, “The number of seal pups born this season is amazing, we have already recorded 779 pups, which means including mothers and bull seals we have some 1800+ seals on Blakeney Point. In the last three years the pup count has increased year on year by almost 100 pups, and an incredible 31-fold increase since their first year of breeding, 11 years ago.”
Grey seals were the first mammal to be granted legal protection in the UK, so this is a good success story in terms of population doing well following protection.
Grey seal breeding numbers at Blakeney Point:
2011 – 779 (& still counting)
2010 – 700
2009 – just under 600
2008 – 413
2007 – 278
2006 – 213
2005 – 175 (estimate)
2004 – 100
2003 – 80
2002 – 50
2001 – 25
“Grey seals take four to five years to reach breeding maturity, and like to return to the place they were born to breed. At some point, they’ll reach capacity, both in terms of space on the beach and food supply. We were expecting to see the number of new born pups level off from year to year but there is no sign of that happening yet. It is such a success story for the grey seal.”
Seals are incredibly sensitive to human disturbance; land-bound pups may look ok if they are approached, but they can be distressed by the experience. The females will defend their pups if they perceive any danger, but the bulls are there to mate, so will defend the females, flattening pups in their wake.
The seals are much loved feature of the Norfolk coast, and a very important part of what makes Blakeney Point so special. The recommended way for people to see them is by taking a seal boat trip from Morston Quay. By boat you can get really close to the seals without causing any disturbance. However, if people do decide to walk the 3.5 mile walk along Blakeney Point to see the seals then they are encouraged to be extra vigilant for the seals and their young pups which are now dispersed across the property and easily disturbed. Seals can be aggressive and can bite so should be treated with respect. Visitors with dogs must keep their dogs on leads for the safety of the seals, their pups and the dogs.
A combination of high tides and recent windy weather has resulted in a number of young pups appearing in less remote locations such as Morston Marshes and Blakeney Quay. The National Trust received over 20 telephone calls last weekend alone. The generally accepted approach is that this is a naturally functioning seal population which will have some mortality, although the National Trust says they do respond to welfare concerns raised by the public and proactively liaise with the RSPCA.
The majority of young pups are healthy and if left undisturbed will be ok and their mothers will come and find them.
With more high winds predicted over the coming days, the National Trust is asking the public to be mindful of young seals appearing in less remote areas away from Blakeney Point. If any seals have obvious signs of injury or welfare concerns then please contact either the National Trust on 01263 740241 or contact the RSPCA’s hotline number on 0870 55 55 999.
Grey seal pups - a windy day on Blakeney Point. ©National Trust
Blakeney National Nature Reserve, on the north Norfolk coast, features 1,097 hectares of wide open spaces and uninterrupted views of this natural and dynamic coastline. Saltmarsh, sand dune and shingle habitats are home to a wealth of breeding birds, and Blakeney Point is famous for its seabird colonies, Grey and Common seals. In 2012 the National Trust will be celebrating 100 years since the acquisition of Blakeney by the National Trust, the first nature reserve in Norfolk.
This year, the Christmas Seaside Special at Cromer Pier’s Pavilion Theatre is going all out to encourage families along to its fun and festive shenanigans by offering a ‘Kids Go Free‘ deal from 17th December.
We (myself, my Partner and 3 1/2 year old Little Man) went along to a 2pm performance to road-test just how much family-friendly fun we were talking about at this unique theatre perched just metres above the North Sea…
We weren’t disappointed.
Personally, this was my first experience of one of Cromer Pier’s ‘Seaside Specials’, although they are famed far and wide, with people travelling from way beyond Norfolk’s county borders to enjoy them (yes, that far). As the lights went down and the music started, I couldn’t help but smile at Little Man’s awe-struck face. It was definitely the first time he’s been to this sort of thing as well, though he is rapidly becoming a seasoned theatre goer for kids plays and the like.
For the next 2-and-a-half-odd hours (with interval), we were treated to a smorgasbord of entertainment that included dance numbers, singing, comedy, magic and storytelling.
The dancing would appeal to any fan of ‘Strictly..’, and was very accomplished. I was delighted to see a ballet sequence of the Sugar Plum Fairy dance from The Nutcracker, with wonderful pointe work. Each number was well choreographed, well loved and nostalgically festive.
The singing, led by Lulu Alexandra and Dale Page, was equally fabulous, with classic Christmas numbers right through to Glee-esque songs (including Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing’). All feel-good, mostly contemporary and Christmassy. Slades ‘So Here It Is Merry Christmas’, and the rest of this upbeat Christmas medley, had me grooving inside if not in the actual aisle. I couldn’t help but grin with delight.
The entire production was steered by the lovable local entertainer Olly Day. With his cheeky stance, Norfolk accent and local knowledge, he hits just the right note with the audience, eliciting laughs without ever really stepping over PG-rated content.
His physical-comedy-packed ’12 Days of Christmas’ with fellow comedian Dave Mac was utterly hilarious. If it was scripted/choreographed to pan out as it did then these two are comedy geniuses (genii?). It certainly seemed very ad-hoc and improvisational. Marvelously funny.
Throughout the show there are pieces that allow children to really engage – the child performers sorting out their letters to Santa, and Olly Day and the same children singing ‘When Santa Got Stuck Up The Chimney’ for example. Despite this being the longest theatre performance Little Man has ever been to, he remained pretty much captivated through all but the comedian segments, which, as you’d perhaps expect, lost him a bit. The songs, music and physical comedy had him beaming and laughing with the rest of us however.
All in all, it was a breath of fresh air (not unlike the salty surroundings when you stepped back onto the Pier!). Anyone who thinks family-friendly variety is old fashioned or ‘not for them’ should really think again. Or at least see this show before passing absolute judgment. A really feel-good production that’d get even the Scroogiest among us into the Christmas Spirit, its money well spent in my opinion. And with shows like Strictly, Glee, Britain’s Got Talent and the X factor marking a resurgence in the popularity of ‘family entertainment’, a live, well-crafted modern take on the time-honoured variety show like this holds its place nicely beside more 21st Century activities such as 3D HD movies and the Wii.
Performances run every day except Mondays and Christmas Day with the closing night being New Years Eve, after which the theatre bar will remain open to see the New Year in. All children go FREE (2 children limit per 1 paying adult) from the 17th December 2011. While Little Man did enjoy the show, based on the duration, I would say that the show is most suited to the over 5s.
The evening shows start at 7pm, so you can get away around 9.30pm or stay on for a drink or coffee and cake (or warm mince pies!) in the bar, which stays open after the show. Christmas Meals and the Winter Menu (Bangers’n'Mash etc) are available in the Tides Restaurant on the Pier and there are ‘link meals’ to the show for those who wish to enjoy both experiences.
Cromer Pier & Pavilion Theatre,
Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9HE
Office: 01263 512281
Box Office: 01263 512495
I think I may have said previously that Blickling Hall near Aylsham in Norfolk is one of my favourite stately homes/estates. Not only is it stunningly beautiful inside and out but it has that connection to the ill-fated Anne Boleyn, whose relationship with Henry VIII has been romantisiced as one of all-consuming love and, ultimately, tragedy. I personally, find the whole era captivating, so a visit here is right up my street, historically speaking. Of course, the rich history of the hall does not start and end there. Much later, during the Second World War, for example, Blickling Hall was requisitioned and used as an Officers Mess for nearby RAF Oulton. The small on-site RAF museum, full of photographs and artifacts from those days is equally as fascinating as the magnificent portraits, tapestries and architecture.
One nice thing about Blickling Hall is that, unlike some similar ‘visitor attractions’, it is not precious or stuffy and, in the main, seems to encourage visits from families with children. You can walk round freely at your own pace and while, obviously, a lot on display is off limits to sticky mitts, there is a good deal about that is accessible and sometimes even interactive to the younger audience.
Christmas at Blickling is one such event – a combination of delightful festive touches across the hall and gardens, which offers something for all ages. We went along on Sunday to experience A Blickling Christmas for ourselves.
Christmas at Blickling Hall Banner.
Lights have been strung outside from various hedges and trees. While we did not actually see the full effect of them being on (it being daylight and all), I would imagine that the whole place looks absolutely wonderful after dark.
Christmas lights decorate the approach to Blickling Hall.
Inside we were greeted by a huge Christmas tree (not literally – you know what I mean), while and bows and enticingly wrapped parcels are almost everywhere. Throughout the Hall are lovely floral displays by local flower arranging groups and Christmas trees decorated to different styles and themes (my favourites were the silvery ones with the bright feathers – very contemporary and kitsch). In most of the rooms, displays reflecting and aspect of Tudor life or Tudor Christmas were set up, complete with very friendly volunteers dressed in period costume.
Huge Christmas tree in the entrance hall of Blickling Hall.
Floral displays throughout a festive Blickling Hall.
In one room was dancing, music and singing (its what people did before Christmas telly), while in another was an authentic medieval feast made up of real food. I chatted at length to one lady in very fine Tudor garb, who told me all about the sweet stuffs one might have enjoyed in such times. To be honest, most of it sounded quite tasty even by today’s standards, with Rosewater and Milk Jellies, Sugar Paste Tudor Roses and, of course, variations on Gingerbread.
Tudor music and dancing.
Authentic festive fare at Blickling Hall.
Decorated table in the Long Gallery at Blickling Hall.
My favourite exhibit was the ‘Physik’ table, flanked by a ‘Tudor Physician’ and his apprentice with ‘alchemist-leanings’. I found it fascinating to hear about the sort of remedies and methods of assessment that one might have endured… sorry, experienced, in Tudor times. Give me Resolve for festive excess rather than the ‘leeching’ device they showed me any day…
ER, Tudor-style...
In the famous ‘long gallery’, a library room that houses the most important book collection in the National Trust, artistic displays of popular Christmas carols, songs and stories, from ‘The Snowman’ to the ‘Holly and the Ivy’ lead down towards where young singers from Aylsham High were singing songs from Annie (the musical they’re performing in March 2012 – tickets on sale now). It was such a brilliant contrast to hear ‘It’s a hard knock life’ being belted out among books and furnishings dating back hundreds of years. Who said stately homes were stuffy?!
Below stairs, two cooks were busy in the kitchen making all sorts of wonderful gingerbread shapes (with edible glitter – its authentic. honest. ahem…) for children that passed through. Little Man managed to bag an angel, with which he was delighted. I was gutted that Mummies didn’t qualify as well. Sigh.
Two cooks a-baking...
A sparkly gingerbread angel for Little Man.
Beyond the house were real ‘Norfolk’ Reindeer, and their large Elf handlers, supplied by Melsop Farm Park, and a craft marquee, which had some really novel stalls inside. Perfect for last minute, but good quality, Christmas gifts for everyone from babies to the dog.
While the restaurant did smell pretty good, and was a perfect foil to the chilly December day, we bypassed it this time and opted for some hot chestnuts before heading off. Certainly though, if you wanted to make a really full day of Blickling Hall, a scone or some warming seasonal fodder would fit very nicely.
A wonderfully different take on Christmas activities, Blickling Hall have really made the effort to offer something different to mark this time of year. After going on Sunday, I’d say that if you haven’t been before, this time is probably one of the best times to visit. The exhibits and well-informed volunteers make the whole experience much more ‘real’, and there is plenty to captivate children beyond the regular displays.
A Blickling Christmas continues this coming weekend (17th & 18th December, 11am-5pm; Adults £9, Children £4.50, National Trust members Free).
Christmas wishes tied to a tree.
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- 11/02/2012 - Signs of Spring Week at Fairhaven Garden February 11, 2012
- 10/02/2012 - Coaching for a Great Life! Weekend Break in Norfolk February 10, 2012
- 09/02/2012 - A Beginner's Guide to Stargazing February 9, 2012
- 09/02/2012 - SCIENCE MUSEUM LIVE ON TOUR February 9, 2012