A waterside pub at the heart of the Broads is said to be the “final piece of the jigsaw puzzle” for the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
The charity purchased the Pleasure Boat Inn at Hickling staithe last month, with plans to refurbish and re-open the pub in 2024.
The pub has been closed since September last year after struggling through the Covid pandemic.
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“At its heart, the decision supports our new strategy - A Wilder Norfolk for All - which demands that we not just protect nature, but that we also support its recovery,” Eliot Lyne, Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s CEO, said.
“We know that this is going to involve everyone – and we know too that the key to ensuring that people will be moved to protect nature is to give them new ways to enjoy and value Norfolk’s incredible wildlife.”
“Hickling, located in the heart of the unique Norfolk Broads and one of the most beautiful wildlife sites in the UK, is the perfect place to do this.
“Welcoming people into the world of Norfolk’s wildlife in and around our new pub will enable us to reach thousands of people who wouldn’t usually visit one of our nature reserves or visitor centres.”
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As well as the pub, the purchase includes the car park – home to council-owned public toilets - and moorings on the staithe.
The Trust already owns the adjacent Whispering Reeds boatyard and Hickling Broad Sailing Club, and in 2017 it acquired the Mills estate at Hickling, bringing land close to the pub into its ownership.
“Our vision was always to create new visitor facilities and car parking to help people enjoy the area’s wildlife,” Mr Lyne said.
“Purchasing the Pleasure Boat Inn offered a cost-effective opportunity to create these features and felt like the final piece in the jigsaw puzzle.
“Although we won’t directly operate the pub, we will generate a financial return from owning it, alongside its moorings – all of which will be re-invested in the Trust and its work."
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