Nature champion speaks about why he loves Norfolk ahead of Norfolk Day

Cley Marshes Visitor Centre and Aspinall Centre owned by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust on the north Norfolk coast Picture: RICHARD OSBOURNE (Image: © Richard Osbourne)

1. Ted Ellis, who died in 1986, the eccentric naturalist and much-loved communicator and Norfolk's answer to David Attenborough.

2. Robert Kett, the peace loving 16th century Norfolk rebel who dared to stand up for the common people against the tyranny of oppressive landlords and paid for his courage with his life.

3. Buxton Heath which is a prime example of this exceptionally-rare habitat of lowland heath and home to a multitude of specialised plants and secret animals.

4. Norwich Castle Museum's collection of paintings by the romantic landscape artists such as John Sell Cotman and Alfred Munnings.

Norfolk Day Logo (Image: Archant)

5. The Forum at Norwich, one of the most successful Millennium Projects in the UK and an iconic landmark and meeting place.

6. Foxley Wood. Getting out of bed for a visit at 4am in late April is a tough call, but the reward can be an unforgettable avian concert.

7. The Norfolk Dialect which is still alive and well. It confounds all conventional rules of grammar, takes 20 years to understand and defeats any actor who dares to attempt it.

8. Norfolk Wildlife Trust's Visitor Centre at Cley and Salthouse Marshes with its stunningly-beautiful view over the marshes.

Buxton Heath in Norfolk Picture: BRENDAN JOYCE (Image: BRENDAN JOYCE)

9. The EDP which is the voice of our proud county is well-respected throughout the industry with a dedicated team of editors who love Norfolk as they love the English language.

10. Cromer Pier Show which is a wonderful tradition with reminders of Dick Condon, our much loved theatre manager who pioneered the shows. With luck the experience will be crowned by a dramatic sunset over the North sea.

A blackcap bird in Norfolk Picture: PAT ADAMS (Image: PAT ADAMS)