Watatunga Wildlife Reserve’s 2024 Safari and Conservation Round-Up
Watatunga Wildlife Reserve: The 2024 Season Round-Up
2024 has been a landmark year at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, filled with innovation, nature’s surprises, and memorable events. As the season has now drawn to a close, we’re thrilled to reflect on all the growth, wildlife encounters, and visitor experiences that made this season remarkable.
The year kicked off with the implementation of brand-new booking and EPOS systems, making both online journeys and in-store exchanges seamless for visitors. Alongside this tech upgrade, we also introduced versatile gift vouchers that can be purchased for any amount, ideal for giving the gift of adventure to friends and family, or even contributing toward a future booking.
February brought unprecedented challenges as the worst flooding in the reserve’s history tested our resilience. The banks of our lakes overflowed, demanding extensive cleanup to ensure the reserve could reopen by March. Despite the flood’s impact, the undeterred oyster catchers returned right on schedule, signalling a hopeful start to the upcoming season.
March was a month of creativity and farewells. The team began with expanding on a new skill by crafting duck nesting boxes and hanging fat ball holders through willow weaving with the brilliant Jean Shore of the Willow Twig, enhancing our bird habitats. The month also marked a bittersweet moment as we bid farewell to Pip, our beloved female Nile lechwe, who joined a lone male named Nigel at Africa Alive. Pip was the only female Nile lechwe to remain in the UK, and while she is missed, the move was celebrated for supporting conservation breeding efforts. Additionally, March marked our opening for the 2024 season and included a proud moment as reserve manager Molly presented at the annual ABWAK conference, representing Watatunga in the larger wildlife conservation community.
April brought a host of new arrivals, from Mouflon lambs to the return of our beloved buffalo babes, Rocket and Slice. A highlight was the debut of our custom wheelchair-accessible buggy, now available to guests staying at Major’s Lodge. This marked a significant step forward in accessibility, ensuring that all guests can fully experience the beauty of the reserve. Our photographic tours continued, offering guests the chance to capture the vibrant wildlife as spring breathed new life into the reserve.
In May, dynamic duo Emily and Sheena attended the 50th anniversary of the Stradsett Rally, spreading the Watatunga message far and wide. The team also trialled a dawn chorus tour with North Norfolk conservationist Nick Acheson, who would return in June as our first evening talk speaker in the stretch tent. This success was further solidified by becoming a Visit England assessed tourist attraction and achieving 4 and 5-star ratings across our three holiday lets!
June was a vibrant month with the launch of our new Twilight Tours, allowing guests to experience Watatunga under the setting sun. Emily and Sheena were back out in the community, hosting a stall and fundraising trailer rides at the local village fete. This month also celebrated our one of our fantastic volunteers Ewan, who won Land based Studies Student of the Year, a proud moment for our team. We also welcomed Jane from the Norfolk & Norwich Bat Group to conduct a bat sound survey, identifying the different species residing within the reserve. And the month concluded by our attendance at the Royal Norfolk Show, working alongside and promoting the VENI partnership, as well as our commitment to conservation.
July was an exceptional month as we introduced three new female Great Bustards to the reserve on recommendation from the Great Bustard Group in Salisbury. We also welcomed two young bongos, joining our resident male to form Europe’s first bongo bachelor group. Recognition came in the form of a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award, placing Watatunga in the top 10% of attractions worldwide – a testament to our ongoing dedication to conservation and visitor experiences. These additions enriched the diversity of the reserve and delighted our guests.
August brought a taste of fine dining to Watatunga, with three exclusive Pop-Up BBQ dining events offering guests a shared culinary experience amidst our stunning landscape. We also expanded our accessibility initiatives with the addition of two hearing loops, furthering an inclusive experience for all visitors. And not forgetting, Dave and Miranda took social media by storm with his annual welfare audit, amassing over 500,000 views and sharing Watatunga’s mission with a broader audience.
September was a month of partnerships and education. We became members of the British Deer Society, whose mission to educate and inspire young people about deer and raise awareness about wild deer and the issues surrounding them, aligns with our focus on conservation and awareness around the broader world of deer species. Reserve manager, Molly welcomed Jack Baddams and Roddy Shaw from the “How Many Geese?” podcast, challenging the idea that deer and antelope are “boring” with an episode designed to inspire. A hospitality masterclass, hosted alongside the VENI, introduced young adults to career in tourism, with the Watatunga team sharing their personal journeys. We finally found a match for our lonesome White Naped Crane, who journeying alongside the WWT to a new home, and hosting our first-ever live gig by the folk duo Friction Farm was an exciting new highlight. Wrapping up the month, we hosted an evening bat survey, which led to some exciting finds and a surprise addition: an adorable Indian Sambar calf, from fan favourite, Orja.
October saw our final tours and participation in BIAZA’s Spotted on Site Autumn Bioblitz, led by guide and in-house ecologist Miranda. Over 305 observations were recorded, covering 179 native species. This month also saw the start of an exciting new BTO winter bird ringing project to monitor passerine populations through the colder months. October also marked the completion of our brand-new accessibility guides in collaboration with AccessAble, following Emily’s tremendous efforts in surveying the entire site single-handedly! The season closed with our annual team briefing and celebratory dinner – a time for reflection, learning and camaraderie.
In November, the team embraced the spirit of winter volunteering. Tony, Sequoia, and Sheena undertook a significant overhaul of our manmade sand martin nesting site, while Miranda spearheaded the winter ringing project in collaboration with the BTO. Additionally, we hosted an AI & Conservation Summit, welcoming Google experts from around the world. The month, however, ended on a sombre note with the passing of our beloved Bustard, Rommel, who will always hold a special place in the Watatunga family.
December marked the launch of our new gift bundles, designed for the festive season. The month was packed with activities, including a variety of holiday workshops such as wreath-making, with the team enjoying their own session as well. These festivities culminated in a joyous Christmas party. To close the year on a high note, we received exciting news: Watatunga was named a finalist in the West Norfolk Mayor’s Business Awards. This honour filled us with pride and anticipation as we eagerly await the winners’ announcement on March 7th, 2025.
Watatunga Wildlife Reserve’s 2024 season was one of transformation, innovation and community. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who visited, volunteered and supported us. Here’s to even more inspiring moments in 2025!