wheatfen forest school
Wheatfen Broad in Surlingham is both the inspiration and main location for
Wheatfen Forest School. For forty years Ted Ellis, the well-known writer and
broadcaster, lived here and devoted his lifetime to natural history. He was one
of the great characters of East Anglia and had the ability to communicate his
enthusiasm to everyone. Phyllis Ellis, his wife, was passionate about
conservation and environmental education, often taking parties of school
children around the fen. She had an adventurous spirit and was awarded an MBE
for Services to Nature Conservation in 1996 aged 83 (shortly before she took up
abseiling). Wheatfen Forest School was established by their granddaughter, Rose
Hoare, in 2015. Rose hopes to carry on the family legacy by inspiring a new
generation of naturalists and conservationists through Forest School. Wheatfen
Broad is also home to the Wheatfen Nature Reserve, which was founded in Ted
Ellis’s memory. This stunning wilderness is recognised as a Site of Special
Scientific Interest and is one of the last tidal marshes of the Yare Valley. The
Trust aims to preserve its rich and fragile ecology, and to keep this land and
its wildlife accessible for the enjoyment and education of all. Our Constitution
Wheatfen Forest School CIC is a community interest company limited by guarantee.
Company number 10533599. Wheatfen Forest School CIC is a not-for-profit social
enterprise.