Thank you!
We made it!
Thanks to a community action fund, operated by WREN, we have secured the remaining funding to rebuild Snettisham hide. As you can imagine we are over the moon! We can now achieve the vision of creating a hide that will withstand the pressures of climate change and also encourage future generations to love and understand the very special wildlife and habitats of The Wash.
Have a look at the updates page for more information.
“Help rebuild our most popular wildlife watching hide at RSPB Snettisham. Working together, we can ensure that RSPB Snettisham is a haven for wildlife, providing breathtaking moments for all to share.”
You may remember the devastating tidal surge in December 2013 that left a trail of destruction along the coastline and our coastal reserves . The surge completely destroyed two of our hides at RSPB Snettisham and seriously damaged another, along with devastating damage to the sea banks and lagoons. The photograph of our hide teetering on the edge of collapse was hard to forget.
In the immediate aftermath of the surge we launched a funding appeal. That money was shared between the RSPB's coastal reserves and was spent on restoring the incredible habitats we work so hard to protect. This money helped restore the shore banks, lagoons and boardwalks at RSPB Snettisham.
We're now asking for your help again.
The new hide
“A building that will help inspire a whole new generation of nature lovers with the incredible sights and sounds of The Wash.” ~ Chris Packham
We want to replace the two hides that were lost with one flood resilient hide. The new hide will enable fantastic views of the spectacles Snettisham offers - improving visibility of wildlife for all our visitors including birdwatchers, photographers, walkers and wildlife lovers. It is important that we are able to offer visitors the opportunity to learn about and enjoy the special landscape of The Wash and the wealth of wildlife that makes this reserve such an important and special place.
With your vital support we hope to raise enough money to build a hide that:
- is bold and innovative, designed by specialist bird hide designers Biotope
- is flood resilient
- can accommodate large numbers of people during our high tide spectacles
- blends into the landscape, using materials that compliment the reserve
- has a dedicated photography area
- has inspiring and informative information panels inside
- provides unrivalled viewing of roosting birds on The Wash
Please donate today. Together we can build a hide that offers unparalleled views of the wildlife The Wash has to offer. A building that insipires not only those who love Snettisham already, but a whole new generation of nature lovers and future wildlife champions.
Our Rewards
We are extremely grateful for the level of support we have received for this project before we've even hit the 'go live' button on our appeal. We have a wonderful array of rewards to offer you, many of which have been generously donated by local businesses, artists, photographers and volunteers. If you would like to know more about our rewards here are a few more details. In addition, all non anonymous donations £100 and over will have their name included in artwork to be installed in the new hide.
If you would prefer to make a donation offline you are welcome to do so. However our rewards are only available through the Crowdfunder website. Please call us on 01485 545263 or email [email protected]
NEW REWARD - Name a Knot*
RSPB Snettisham is home to over 100,000 knot – an incredible wading bird that can be seen flying in huge numbers over the reserve and mudflats of The Wash, performing spectacular displays for those who come to see them – but sadly, not a single knot has a name.
We're offering you a chance to name a knot, in return you'll get a certificate personalised with the name you have chosen for your knot. With only 100,000 Name a Knot rewards available, we're urging people to get their names in early to avoid disappointment!
After you've purchased your reward, please email [email protected] with your chosen name.
Knot pin badge
Inspired by a water colour painting by artist Steve Cale (also available as a reward), this pin badge has been created specially for this appeal.
Brent Geese Mug
These special edition brent geese mugs feature artwork kindly donated by local artist James McCallum.
SOLD OUT - signed James McCallum books
Kindly donated to the appeal by James McCallum we are offering signed copies of his new books. We have one of each -
Wild Skeins and Winter Skies - celebrating the lives of pink-footed geese through over 90 paintings depicting their flight patterns and behaviour and in an array of weather conditions. The artist shares accounts of memorable days spent watching geese and gives a wonderful insight into the lives of these amazing birds.
The Long, Wild Shore - explores the seasons on the North Norfolk coast particularly focussing around Blakeney Point renowned for its colonies of seals and nesting birds. Individual chapters explore the lives of common and grey seals, little terns, sandwich terns, ringed plovers and oystercatchers accompanied by over 100 illustrations.
Wader Spectacle T-shirt
These special edition t-shirts feature artwork kindly donated by local artist James McCallum. Available in sizes small, medium, large and extra large.
NEW REWARD - Birding Varanger book
Biotope's 200 page guide to the best bird sites in Arctic Norway.
- 30 maps of all the best bird sites in Pasvik and Varanger, from region overview maps to detailed site maps
- Aerial panorama photos of all key sites from Øvre Pasvik in the south to Berlevåg in the north
- 100 quality photos of all the key bird species in Varanger
- All bird names in text is in both English and Norwegian
- Descriptions of where and when to find birds, and all the best bird sites in Varanger
- Complete check list of all birds ever seen in Varanger (in English, Latin, Norwegian, Sámi and German)
- This guide will help you find the best birds and most exciting sites in Varanger!
NEW REWARD - Framed print of a barn owl
Les Bunyan has kindly donated 10 beautiful framed prints of a barn owl. Les took the photograph at Snettisham and the framed prints are 10'x17' in size.
NEW REWARD - signed copy of Birds and People by Mark Cocker
Mark Cocker has kindly donated a signed copy of his latest book Birds and People. The book is beautiful with photography by David Tipling.
Signed Chris Gomersall Print
600mm x 400mm limited edition signed prints of the Snettisham knot roost by Chris Gomersall, delivered in large board backed envelopes.
SOLD OUT - Puffin Binoculars
Kindly donated by Viking Optical and signed by our President Miranda Krestovnikoff.
These are a high quality great introduction level 8 times magnification binocular that are light weight and therefore ideal for adults and children alike. They come with a strap, case, bird identification guide and a very special Puffin pin badge. They have a great field of view and can focus down to 2.5 metres making them great for not only looking at birds but insects, butterflies and nature in general.
SOLD OUT! - Hare Print
Taken by local photographer and RSPB volunteer Les Bunyan at RSPB Snettisham, this canvas print of a hare is one of a kind and 12" x 16" in size.
SOLD OUT! - Knot Painting by Steve Cale
An original water colour painting of a knot by local artist Steve Cale, the image which inspired our special edition pin badge. The painting is framed and 9" x 7" in size.
Bird Watching Masterclass
A choice of four exclusive birding master classes.
Learning to count. 09/10/17 (Monday) or 07/11/17 (Tuesday). Have you ever wondered how large flocks of wildfowl and wading birds are counted? Have you ever thought about learning the art of counting them? Join Jim Scott, Site Manager, on one of the highest tides of the year when thousands of birds will take to the skies in one of the UK's most spectacular wildlife events. Meet in the RSPB Snettisham reserve car park at 07.10am, finish around 10.00am.
Marvellous Migration. 13/10/2017 (Friday) at RSPB Titchwell Marsh with Paul Eele, Warden. With summer visitors leaving, winter visitors arriving and vagrants stopping off, autumn migration can be one of the most exciting spectacles in the birding world. Spend a morning watching swallows heading south and the first winter ducks arrive, finding out about the wonders of migration. Meet at the Titchwell reserve office at 09:00, finishing at 12 noon.
A World of Warblers. 23/4/2018 (Monday) at RSPB Titchwell Marsh with Paul Eele, RSPB Warden. This is the event for you if you want to learn more about these songsters. We will spend time looking and listening, helping separate those tricky species. This early morning visit will include a ‘behind the scenes’ visit into the reedbed. Meet at the Titchwell reserve office at 06:30, finishing at 09:30.
Wild Goose Chase
23/11/2017 (Thursday) with Paul Eele, RSPB Warden. Meet at 6am at Titchwell and be taken to Snettisham to watch the geese leave the roost and head inland to feed. We'll then head back to Titchwell to feed ourselves before heading out to the surrounding farmland in search of the feeding flocks before ending up back at Titchwell in time for lunch. Breakfast and lunch included.
WPG Binoculars
Kindly donated by Viking Optical and signed by our President Miranda Krestovnikoff.
These are a robust small light weight binocular that are completely waterproof. They have Bak 4 prisms and phase coating on the lenses making the image clear and bright. There is a locking mechanism on the dioptre which prevents accidental movement and means once set your binoculars are always just right for you. With 8 times magnification and a great field of view these make a fabulous all round general binocular. They come with a lovely neoprene comfy strap, sturdy box case and a whopping 10 year warranty.
SOLD OUT - John Shepperd original water colour painting ‘Wigeon on the Saltmarsh’
This original water colour painting by John Shepperd of 'Wigeon on the Saltmarsh' was kindly donated to our appeal by Paul Roney. John exhibited and sold his paintings at RSPB Titchwell Marsh between 2000 - 2010, always donating the proceeds to the reserve. He was well known locally as a naturalist and bird artist. Sadly John passed away in 2013. The painting is framed and 30' x 24' in size, including the frame.
Photography Masterclass
Photography masterclass at Snettisham with professional photographer Chris Gomersall. The class will take place on the morning of Wednesday 12th September 2018. Reward includes an overnight stay the evening before in a local BnB.
Celebrity Goose Walk
Join the One Show's Mike Dilger and RSPB Snettisham Site Manager Jim Scott for a morning of birding! Start with an early morning pink footed goose walk at Snettisham, followed by breakfast at RSPB Titchwell, the rest of the morning birding at Titchwell and finally, lunch. Breakfast and lunch included. Wednesday 17th January 2018.
Warden for the Day
Two dates available, one person per date.
15/1/2018 (Monday) A winter’s tale at RSPB Titchwell Marsh with Paul Eele, RSPB Warden. Join the reserve team and help maintain the internationally important habitats at Titchwell Marsh. You will meet the reserve team, get deep into the reedbed helping with its management, ending the day counting the wintering marsh harriers. You will need to be able to walk over rough terrain and undertake practical, physical work. Meet at the Titchwell reserve office at 09:15, finishing at 16:00. Wellingtons and outdoor work wear will be required.
9/5/2018 (Wednesday) Spring surveys at RSPB Titchwell Marsh with Paul Eele, RSPB Warden. Join us at one of our busiest times of the year and help us keep track of the breeding birds. The breeding season for bearded tits, bitterns, avocet, marsh harrier and ringed plovers will be well underway. There is no better place than a wetland reserve in spring. It will be an early start but well worth it. This is likely to involve some walking over rough terrain and sustained periods of sitting in a small temporary observation hide. Meet at the Titchwell reserve office at 06:30, finishing at 15:00.
Name the Hide
Terms and condition apply to this reward and we strongly encourage anyone interested in naming the hide, or donating a significant sum to the project, to call or email us first - 01485 545263 or [email protected]
How can you help?
Other than nabbing yourself one of our amazing rewards, we really need help to spread the word about our appeal. You can do this in the following ways:
- Let your friends, family and anyone who may be interested in our hide project know about the appeal and share this page with them.
- Share this page with your friends and followers on social media and use the hashtag #SnettsHide to help us spread the word.
*Note on Name a Knot reward -
- The Name a Knot reward consists of a certificate personalised with the name you have chosen for your knot
- The RSPB reserves the right to refuse to provide certificates containing names that are deemed to be offensive or inappropriate. In such cases, people will be given the chance to choose another name, but no refunds will be issued
- The RSPB cannot provide updates about or any further information on individual knot to anyone who claims a ‘Name a Knot’ reward
- No knot will be ringed, tagged or in any other way marked for future identification as a result of people claiming a Name a Knot reward
- We cannot guarantee that you will see your named knot when you visit Snettisham nature reserve after claiming your reward
Knot photograph by Andy Hay.
We'd like to thank Ian Bellinger for creating our amazing video, Jeff Kew for the aerial footage of Snettisham, Chris Packham for doing our voice over and Les Bunyan for kindly letting us use his photographs for our appeal.
We have produced a comprehensive set of Q&As in relation to this project which can be found here. You can find answers to 'why are the RSPB using crowdfunding?' 'why is the hide costing so much?' 'what is accessibility going to be like?' among many more.