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Blakeney Point National Nature Reserve, Norfolk

Zoos and other animal reserves might not seem to have a place on a web site for historical visiting. But these places are actually very revealing of our changing attitudes to nature. Zoos started to become popular in the early part of the nineteenth century. The world's first public zoo, London's Zoological Gardens, opened in Regent's Park in 1828. At this time man's view of their place in nature was changing. Charles Darwin was about to set sail on the Beagle and begin his journey towards the theory of evolution. People could visit London Zoo, and see that chimpanzees were disconcertingly human in their behaviour. From this starting point zoos proliferated.

As time passed the style of zoos began to change away from the policy of putting animals in small cages and enclosures. In the 1960s a trend began for displaying animals in animal parks, in larger settings. As an extension of this trend, areas of natural habitat were set aside as reserves. These were natural areas, and yet still allowed people to see animals. A measure of protection for animals was also possible within the reserves. Blakeney Point in north Norfolk is a striking example of a nature reserve. With a place like Blakeney Point the zoo hardly exists anymore, but animals are still protected, and are still available to be viewed. There are extensive seabird colonies here, and beaches where Common and Grey seals haul out.

 

 

Seals on Blakeney Point

Visitors can walk out along the shingle spit towards Blakeney Point from Cley Beach. This is about a three and a half mile walk, and is very exposed. Not recommended for a windy or cold day. Tidal flooding can also effect the area. Parts of Blakeney Point are closed for portions of the year to visitors on foot to protect wildlife. With all this in mind it would be better to catch a boat from the National Trust visitor's centre at Moston, or from Blakeney. Large open boats run regular trips out to the point, moving in close to the seal colonies, without disturbing them. This is a wonderful way to enjoy the reserve. Large colonies of seabirds can also be viewed from the boats, and the two man crew will tell you about the animals you are seeing. There is an option of getting off for half an hour to explore the reserve on foot, before returning to Moston or Blakeney. Make sure you take adequate clothing on this trip. As the old seadog of a skipper on our boat observed: "We don't get bad weather out here, just inappropriate clothing."

Information on the animals in the reserve can be obtained at Moston visitors' centre, and at the Life Boat House on Blakeney Point. Guided tours are possible by arrangement.

There is a tea room and an observation platform at Moston Quay.

 

 

Life Boat House, Blakeney Point

 

Opening Times: The shingle spit area, and paths around the reserve are open all year. During the seal breeding season parts of the reserve are closed, with viewing possible only by boat. Tearoom and information centre at Moston Quay open according to tides and weather. Toilet facilities at the Life Boat House on Blakeney Point are closed October to April.

Address: North Norfolk coast between Sheringham and Wells-next-the-Sea.

Directions: Moston, Blakeney, and Cley Beach are just off the A149 in north Norfolk. Go to Moston or Blakeney for boats, Cley Beach to walk out onto the spit.

Access: The walk out onto the spit is three and a half miles over difficult ground. The boats would be difficult for those with mobility problems.

 

 

 

Contact:

telephone: 01263 740241

e-mail: blakeneypoint@nationaltrust.org.uk

address: Norfolk Coast Office, Friary Farm, Cley Road, Blakeney, Holt, Norfolk NR25 7NW

web site: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-blakeneypoint.htm

 

With the bad weather/inappropriate clothing adage in mind...