Watatunga’s Wildlife Events in Norfolk
Watatunga’s Events for 2026
If you’re searching for events in Norfolk or wondering what’s on in 2026, Watatunga Wildlife Reserve offers a calendar of experiences unlike anywhere else in the county.
From creative workshops and early morning birdwatching to wild fine dining experiences and inspiring guest speakers. Our events in West Norfolk combine wildlife, conservation, food, art and storytelling in a setting that feels a world away from the ordinary.
Creative Wildlife Events in Norfolk
Guided Painting Session: ‘Great View, Deer’ on Friday, 17th April
Enjoy a relaxed and informal paint-and-sip evening. This guided acrylic paint workshop is designed to be welcoming and accessible, whether you’re completely new to painting or simply looking for a creative night out in Norfolk.
Artist Andrea will guide you step-by-step, helping you build your painting from the first brushstroke through to the final details. You’re encouraged to experiment with colour, explore different techniques and add your own personal touches, no two pieces will be the same. All materials are provided and you’ll leave with your finished artwork. Bring your favourite beverage along and settle in for an enjoyable, creative evening surrounded by nature.
Perfect for: friends, couples or solo creatives looking for something different from the usual Norfolk events calendar. Find Out More
Summer Art Safari on Thursday, 16th July
This immersive creative workshop begins with a guided tour of the reserve, led by the Reserve Manager. Alongside local wildlife artist Martin Gibbons, you’ll pause at scenic viewpoints across meadows, woodland edges and lakesides to sketch wildlife and landscapes that inspire you.
After the tour, the experience continues at our lakeside BBQ area where you’ll have time to develop your work whilst enjoying a catered spread. This relaxed, supportive setting allows you to experiment freely and respond to the atmosphere of a summer evening in the wild.
Suitable for all skill levels, this is one of our most peaceful and inspiring events in Norfolk. Find Out More
Wildlife & Nature Experiences
Dawn Chorus Tour on Sunday, 3rd May
Enter the reserve at 5:00 am during one of its most atmospheric moments. Guided by wildlife presenter Ajay Tegala, this 90-minute experience focuses on the first bird songs of the season and the subtle rhythms of the landscape as it wakes.
Ajay shares insight into bird calls, seasonal behaviours and the ecology of the reserve, bringing depth and storytelling to the experience. After the tour, warm up lakeside with hot drinks and freshly baked pastries. Spaces are limited for this special wildlife event in Norfolk. Find Out More
An Evening with Ajay Tegala on Tuesday, 7th July
Join wildlife presenter, author and conservationist Ajay Tegala for an illustrated evening talk at Watatunga. With more than a decade of experience in conservation and countryside management, Ajay brings stories from Blakeney Point, Wicken Fen and beyond. Known for appearances on Springwatch, Countryfile, Winterwatch and BBC Look East, he combines insight with humour and genuine passion for connecting people with nature.
This one-night-only event offers a chance to hear about his career, wildlife encounters and the landscapes that have shaped his journey. Find Out More
Food & Drink Events in Norfolk
Wild Venison BBQ on Thursday, 28th May and Thursday, 18th June
Spend a summer evening whereby conservation meets cuisine. The experience begins with a one-hour guided trailer tour of the reserve, led by the Reserve Manager. You’ll explore our landscape, meet rare species and hear more about our conservation work before heading lakeside for a relaxed venison feast. Locally sourced venison is served alongside fresh, seasonal salads and sides. Guests are welcome to bring their own drinks, with still water provided.
This is a unique option for those looking for distinctive food-focused events and our event in June is only a few days before Father’s Day! Find Out More
Pop-Up Dining with Wild Lulita on Thursday, 9th July and Thursday, 13th August
This special shared dining experience combines an exclusive reserve tour with a three-course feast created by Norfolk chef Lucy Cheyney of Wild Lulita.
Arriving in the late afternoon, guests enjoy a 60-minute guided tour before gathering under our stretch tent canopy beside the lake. As evening settles, Lucy crafts a seasonal menu celebrating local Norfolk produce, thoughtfully designed to reflect the wild setting. Binoculars are available for observing wildlife during dinner, making this one of the most distinctive dining events in Norfolk. Spaces are limited due to the intimate nature of this shared experience. Find Out More
A Taste of Norfolk: Cheese & Wine Evening on Thursday, 23rd July
In partnership with The Norfolk Cheese Company, this relaxed evening pairs a guided reserve tour with a curated wine and cheese tasting.
After a one-hour trailer safari, guests gather lakeside to enjoy five carefully selected wine and cheese pairings. From creamy bries to mature cheddars, each pairing showcases the best of Norfolk’s artisan produce. Blending wildlife, landscape and regional flavour, this experience offers a refined yet informal addition to the Norfolk events calendar. Find Out More
Why Choose Watatunga for Events in Norfolk?
Watatunga is known for its wildlife experiences, and unlike traditional venues, our events take place within a conservation-led wildlife reserve. Whether you’re attending for art, food or wildlife, every experience begins with a deeper connection to nature. Group sizes are limited, settings are intimate, and each event is designed to feel immersive rather than crowded.
If you’re looking for what’s on in Norfolk that offers something beyond the ordinary, we’d love to welcome you in 2026.
Explore individual event pages on our Events Page for full details and booking information.