A Norfolk nature reserve has appointed "the county’s best-known wildlife expert" as a trustee to its conservation group.

Nick Acheson has joined the board of the Pensthorpe Conservation Trust, which spearheads projects to preserve, protect and future-proof Norfolk’s unique habitats and species.

Mr Acheson, who is from Fakenham, said becoming a trustee at Pensthorpe was "a tremendous honour". 

He said: “I’m born and bred in Norfolk and my family lived close to the reserve when I was a child, so Pensthorpe played a huge part in my early interest in wildlife and conservation. 

"I even volunteered there as a teenager, learning to explain nature to people and share my passion with others, so it’s a privilege to hold this role here later in my career and give back to the community."

Mr Acheson has experience working on conservation projects across the world, has passion for Norfolk and strong knowledge of native species.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Chrissie Kelley, head of species management at PensthorpeChrissie Kelley, head of species management at Pensthorpe (Image: Steve Adams)

Chrissie Kelley, head of species management at Pensthorpe nature reserve, just outside Fakenham, said: “We’re delighted Nick is joining the board of trustees, and we hope to learn valuable lessons from his unique career with endangered wildlife all over the world as we continue our work focussing on Norfolk’s indigenous species.”

Mr Acheson will work alongside other trustees and Pensthorpe's owners, Bill and Deb Jordan.

Projects will include the rescuing, hatching and releasing of curlews in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, Sandringham Estate and Wild Ken Hill, which is now entering its third year.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Mr Acheson has experience working on conservation projects across the worldMr Acheson has experience working on conservation projects across the world (Image: Adam Livingstone, Pensthorpe)

Fakenham & Wells Times: Aerial shot of Pensthorpe Natural ParkAerial shot of Pensthorpe Natural Park (Image: Pensthorpe Natural Park)

Mr Acheson added: “Norfolk has a wonderful way of calling me back and it holds a special place in my heart.

"So much so that my new book The Meaning of Geese, saw me travel 1,200 miles around Norfolk on my mother’s 40-year-old bicycle to follow the journey of a flock of wild geese in the 2020 winter lockdown.

“2023 is set to be another busy year for the Pensthorpe Conservation Trust with plenty of important initiatives to shout about.

"Chrissie and her team are dedicated, skilled and at the cutting edge of conservation, so I’m looking forward to supporting them in whatever way I can.”