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.