A new countryside manager has been appointed at the Blickling Estate, near Aylsham.

Stuart Banks has worked for the National Trust for over 10 years, joining as a trainee warden at Hatfield Forest before progressing to a Head Ranger role for the Essex Coast and Countryside.

He is also the current Ranger Champion for the East of England, working closely with other regions to represent the 600 rangers around the National Trust.

The 38-year-old has a breadth of countryside management experience, specialising in woodland and heathland management.

He recognises the importance of working collaboratively with the local community and is looking forward to getting to know some of the visitors to the park, as well as the farmers who manage the Blickling Estate.

Stuart will continue to raise the profile of the important conservation work taking place in the historic Grade II listed park and the value of its landscape. His new role has enabled him to realise a long-held ambition to move with his wife, daughter (and spaniel called Charlie!) to the north Norfolk coast.