Eastlife Spring 2021

Wildlife Reserve is
ahead of the curve
The next few years will see huge changes in farming and
agriculture in the UK as the new Agricultural Bill asks farmers
to both produce more food and protect the environment. It is a
challenge that involves a fine balance between farming highly
productive soil for crops and being brave enough to recognise
that some soil is better taken out of farming and used in other
ways.
Edward Pope is ahead of the curve when it comes to finding
this balance. His venture, Watatunga Wildlife Reserve has been
created on 170 acres of old quarries, lakes and woodland,
previously used for monoculture farming practices. Ed Pope says
the land that makes up the reserve had limited yield potential and
was simply not suitable for modern sustainable agriculture.
twenty-five deer and antelope species, not to mention rare birds,
including the star of the show – the Great Bustard. With many
of the birds and animals on the endangered list, Watatunga
provides a safe haven and a place where important breeding
programmes are carried out.
While the fertile soils of the nearby fen continue to provide food
for the population, the team at Watatunga are leading the way
when it comes to re-imagining land use for the greatest good.
Watatunga re-opens to the public in April. Visit the website:
www.watatunga.co.uk for more information on their
accommodation and to book a guided tour of the wildlife reserve.
Gift vouchers are also available.
Fast forward three years and the once sterile site has been
restored to nature. Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, found in
Watlington near King’s Lynn, is now a wildlife paradise of
woodland, grasses and lakes and is home to more than