Key Figures in the Buxton Heath Story
Ted Ellis (1909-1986) - Widely regarded as Norfolk's greatest naturalist, and was from 1928 to 1956, the keeper of Natural History at the Castle Museum in Norwich. He had long studied the nature of Wheatfen alongside former owner Captain Cockle, and the Ellises finally moved into the pair of marshman's cottages in 1946. In October of that year, Ted started writing daily nature articles for the Eastern Daily Press, which he continued to do until his death in 1986. In the 1960s he started his first radio broadcasts, and finally appeared on television when he joined presenter John Mountford's "Weekend" programme, produced by BBC Norwich. In the early 80s, Ted's regular television audience was estimated at half-a-million. As Phyllis Ellis said "people would stop him in the street, and speak to him as if they were life-long friends, wheareas they'd not met him before". Following Ted's death, Phyllis came to the fore, strongly promoting the setting-up of the Ted Ellis Trust to study and conserve his beloved Wheatfen. Despite watching most of Ted's television broadcasts, and collecting as many of his writings as possible, I never met Ted in person - something I'll always regret. Phyllis said that, after Wheatfen, Buxton Heath was one of Ted's favourite places, and this thought was in my mind when I founded BHWG.
Phyllis Ellis MBE (1913-2004) - One doesn't really know how to begin describing the late Phyllis Ellis - she was such a phenomenon, and someone I regarded as conservation royalty. When I showed an interest in practical conservation in 1990, it was Phyllis who welcomed me whole-heartedly to Wheatfen, and our association and friendship became long-term. She reluctantly accepted her MBE in 1996, awarded in recognition of her conservation work and for setting up the Ted Ellis Trust, but said afterwards "I don't feel I've done anything. I just give other people a boot up the behind".
Professor David Bellamy - Although David Bellamy hasn't visited Buxton Heath during the lifetime of BHWG (unless he kept it a secret!), while he was at university he was introduced to the site by Ted Ellis as part of his research into valley mire systems. Four of us from BHWG attended a conference of the Ipswich Natural History Society in 1996 at which David was the main speaker. As the "tenuous link" between Britain's best-known conservationist and BH existed, I couldn't resist press-ganging the Group into posing with Prof Bellamy for a very good Group publicity photo. I asked Eddie Idle, the Chairman of English Nature, to take the photo !
Len Wise (1929-2004) - A founder member of BHWG, and a true gentleman. In the early days of the Group, Len used to charge around the site, seemingly doing the work of two people, but as the years rolled by, arthritic joints took their toll and slowed him down. The unforgiving Molinia tussocks eventually proved too difficult for him, and Len contented himself with keeping the pathways clear while the rest of the Group worked in the more difficult areas of terrain. Len's health deteriorated further, but he hardly ever missed a Saturday at the Heath, even when he really wasn't well enough to be there. In true Len fashion, he declared that "he didn't want to let us down". In late 2003, Len went into hospital for a large operation, and seemed to be recovering well. I was therefore stunned to hear from his wife Betty that he'd passed away due to post-op complications. A good-to-know person who'll never be forgotten.
David Ruthven - Considering that David had been visiting Buxton Heath for over fifty years, and I'd been visiting almost weekly since the summer of 1991, it seems incredible that we didn't actually meet until 20th June 1998 ! During that first meeting, David updated the Group regarding the history of the site's wildlife, and we updated him on what we'd been doing, and about future management work. David is one of Norfolk's experts on butterflies and larger moths - "I don't do micros" he declared. Shortly after our first meeting, David became a regular member of the Group, identifying the more difficult and obscure moths for our records, and "doing his bit" with the practical work. Some of the species records from his "early days" at the site are now safely in our database of recordings. David has been working with Mandy Gluth (see below) on the Silver-studded Blue conservation project for several years.
Colin Thompson - Although Colin didn't join BHWG until 1994, he soon became a "fixture" at the site. In the last few years of my voluntary wardenship, Colin effectively became my right-hand man at the site, and also at several of the illustrated talks we staged for local groups and societies. He continues to visit BH almost every week, assisting voluntary warden Phil (see below), and happily passes his conservation knowledge and experience onto others. Colin is very adept at lighting bonfires, even in the wettest conditions. He insists that he needs the fire to dispose of the cut birch and gorse brash, but we've always suspected that his main aim was to provide a facility to toast his sandwiches and crumpets !
Catriona Corfield - This Scottish lass, along with her friend Christine Croton, were the first UEA students to arrive on the BHWG scene, and soon became regulars. They spread the gospel about BH at the university and soon, other students followed in their "wellie-steps". The bubbly personalities of the two girls immediately livened things up, and despite ranging far and wide around the globe, they've maintained their special friendship with myself and other Group members.
Dave Bevan - Dave has been part of BHWG for many years, and is known for his dry, and sometimes quite cutting wit. But under this exterior lies a heart of gold. If anyone's in trouble, Dave is always there ready to help. In the early days of the Group, Dave and his wife Avril brought their small caravan to the site to act as a base for our open days. As well as providing teas to help Group members get through the day, they also served strawberries and cream to our visitors ! After years of "the daily grind", Dave eventually left his day job to turn his part-time wildlife photography into a full-time business, and his work is much sought-after by publishers.
Dr Tony Leech - Two years after forming BHWG, I attended the 125th Anniversary Event of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, held at St Andrew's Hall, Norwich on 21st May, 1994. Amazingly, I'd had no previous involvement with NNNS, and so, entered the hall with some trepidation. The first person I came into contact with was Tony, who, on hearing about the BH project, welcomed me with open arms. Hearing that I'd started a photographic record of the wildlife of BH and of the work we were doing there, he immediately told me to collect my photo albums from the car. Upon my return, he proceeded to squeeze the NNNS publications onto half of the trestle table he stood behind, leaving the other half free for my albums, in a bid to promote our new group. This was a typical gesture of kindness from a well-liked and highly-skilled Norfolk naturalist.
Ken Durrant - Although I'd known Ken for several years, how I wish I'd met him much, much earlier. If you'd met him, you'd probably think he was just an ordinary man from Norfolk, as he was so "down to earth", but behind this exterior was an almost encyclopedic knowledge of insects, as well as the wider world of nature. Ken was always happy to answer nature queries, and if he couldn't tell you what something was at the time (which was an unusual occurrence!), you knew you'd get that i.d. a couple of days later. Ken gave many years of sterling service as the voluntary warden of Beeston Common SSSI, near Sheringham, but had to slow things down a little in his later years due to some health problems. He remained a highly-respected Norfolk naturalist, and whenever we spoke it was a joy to hear the excitement in his voice as he related his latest nature observation. Sadly, Ken passed away on 28th April 2010, aged 90. Norfolk lost a wonderful naturalist, enthusiast, and educator. My thoughts remain with his dear wife Isobel, and the family.
Reg & Lil Evans - When people mention great double-acts, they invariably speak of Morecambe & Wise, Flanagan & Allen, and the Two Ronnies. But in Norfolk, we had another double-act who were just as famous in the world of natural history. Reg & Lil were such authorities on fungi that makers of television documentaries on the subject sought their advice before proceeding with their productions. But the adulation didn't go to their heads, and they were quite happy to simply work their way through the undergrowth looking for specimens, clutching their trademark fruit baskets in which to collect their treasure. I always looked forward to their Buxton Heath visits, as I knew that, about three weeks later, their latest, immaculately-written species list would drop through my letterbox. Sadly, we lost one half of the dynamic duo when Reg passed away a few years ago, and I think Lil has scaled down her forays these days. I will never forget how nice it felt just to be in their company.
Paul Woolnough - When I came up with the idea for BHWG, Paul was one of the first people to express an interest in the project, and was duly present on the first day. Paul has many years of conservation experience, and besides his appearances with BHWG, he is also a task leader with the Norwich Environmental Weekenders (NEWS), a group that visits sites all over Norfolk. Paul's main field of interest is birds, and he always keeps a close watch on his birding pager to see which new species has dropped into the county.
Alec Bull - Yet another wonderful Norfolk naturalist, and although Alec has bags of knowlege of a broad range of natural history, his main field is botany. For many years he's been one of the Norfolk county recorders for plants, and in 1999, he co-authored the large format "A Flora of Norfolk" along with his county recorder partner, Gillian Beckett. Alec is on the Botanical Society of the British Isles (BSBI) panel of referees for the genus Rubus, covering south-east England, and has been responsible, in whole or in part, for naming 6 new brambles from East Anglia, two of which have been recognised as being of national significance, and a third of regional significance.
Dr Dirk Boeye - One of the greatest ever Belgians! Read more about Dirk and his team under the "Hydrology" section.
Mervyn Williamson - owns the meadow immediately to the east of BH, which is designated as being part of the Buxton Heath SSSI. Mervyn, a highly respected parish councillor, has welcomed our conservation efforts on his land, and has also been a wonderfully supportive ally in our efforts to care for the site.
Peter Lambley MBE - I first came into contact with Peter when he worked for the Government"s conservation body English Nature (as was), and Buxton Heath, at the time, fell under his jurisdiction. We liaised many times on conservation matters in the early years of BHWG, and Peter was very supportive, and always happy to pass on his experience and advice. After a while, Peter's remit changed, and he moved from Norfolk's heathlands to deal with the Norfolk coast. Luckily I was still able to remain in regular contact with him, as we were both council members of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society.
Sandie Tolhurst - I came into contact with Sandie in the early years of BHWG. She was an experienced keeper of sheep and when the Norfolk Wildlife Trust decided to form its own flock of grazing sheep, known as the "Flying Flock", Sandie was employed as the shepherdess. I remember attending her sheep-husbandry training course where she showed us such skills as how to catch sheep, how to trim their feet and check for signs of foot rot, and also the gentle art of dagging (cutting "dirty" wool from their rear ends). The latter "delightful" task was important to prevent fly-strike (flies laying eggs on the unfortunate animals). Sandie always looked "just right" as she watched over the flock, accompanied by her two faithful sheep dogs.
John Tooley - I first met John when I went to the Ted Ellis Trust at Wheatfen in 1990 to experience practical conservation work for the first time. At that time he was the voluntary warden, and at once made me feel at home there. The regular conservation group met once a month, but I, being able to attend weekly, soon struck up a close working relationship with John. It was he who taught me about marsh, fen, and woodland management techniques, and taught me to safely use the range of tools and equipment. Although I enjoyed being in the company of the larger group, there was something magical about being alone with John, scything a path together on a distant marsh, and listening to the sounds of the birds and mammals. I was deeply saddened to learn of his death in 1996.
John Goldsmith - Long before conservation work became fashionable, John used to bike from Norwich to Buxton Heath to study the reptiles. Travelling with him would be his dad's bowsaw, as even at that young age, he already knew that unless someone took action, all the basking places for his reptile favourites, and the heathland habitat, would be lost due to invasive birch, gorse, and oak scrub. Buxton Heath has remained in his heart, but these days, he's known chiefly for the conservation of bats, being described affectionately as Norfolk's very own "Bat Man". John is a long-standing member of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society, and Chairman/Co-ordinator of the Norfolk Bat Group.
Dr Bryan Wheeler & Dr Susan Shaw - Bryan (left) and Susan (centre), pictured with Dirk Boeye, Colin Thompson, and Colin Penny, have a long working association with Buxton Heath. Both are from Sheffield University, and are known for their studies of valley mire systems. Bryan was originally introduced to the Buxton Heath mire by Professor David Bellamy. On the day of the photograph, water samples were taken, and other hydrological data obtained by the bi-national team.
Mandy Gluth - A committee member of the Norfolk Branch of Butterfly Conservation, Mandy is actively involved with the management work at the Norfolk branch's Catfield Fen reserve. I first met Mandy when she appeared at Buxton Heath to count the number of Silver-studded Blue butterflies Plebejus argus several years ago. She has been a tireless campaigner for this threatened species, and has played a leading role in the project to translocate some of BH's large P. argus population to neighbouring, poorly populated heaths.
Francis Rose (1921-2006) - Considered to be one of the greatest field botanists of the 20th century, Francis Rose is probably best known to the public as the author of the "Wild Flower Key" (1981), and its companion volume covering grasses, sedges, rushes, and ferns (1989). Since the 1940s, he had kept a series of notebooks containing around a quarter of a million records. He had detailed knowledge of hundreds of sites, and his advice and influence led to many of these being designated as SSSIs. Needless to say, Francis Rose visited Buxton Heath, but sadly, those visits were prior to the founding of BHWG, and therefore we never actualy met him at the site. However, we did have remote contact in ???? when he played a part in the attempted re-introduction of the rare Marsh Clubmoss Lycopodiella inundata to Buxton Heath's valley mire. The re-introduction plan was overseen by English Nature's Andy Millar, who received the moist clubmoss samples from Francis through the post ! BHWG then took possession of the samples and duly planted them in a suitable locations in the valley mire. The samples were very small when planted, but we monitored their progress regularly. Sadly, after a while, the samples appeared to die off, which disappointed all involved with this project.
Rex & Barbara Hancy - With Rex and Barbara, we have another of those super Norfolk naturalist "double-acts". The pair have long explored Norfolk's wild places together, and in latter years, have promoted the study and recording of plant galls. For many years, Rex has been one of the regular writers of the nature column in the Eastern Daily Press, and has also had a regular "nature slot" on Radio Norfolk, in which he interviewed local people who were involved with nature in the county. I had his microphone pointed in my direction on a number of occasions, and although a little nerve-wracking at first, I soon realised it was a good method of promoting our work at BH, recruiting more members, and spreading the conservation message to a wider audience. The pair have collaborated on two books, "The Notable Trees of Norwich", and "The Study of Plant Galls in Norfolk".
John McLeod - This charming man has been a great friend to BHWG and Buxton Heath over the years, even though he's never set foot on the site! He has, however, seen it in its entirety many times when he's flown me over the site to take aerial photographs. His kindness has benefited other organisations too, as copies of the photographs have been supplied to Norfolk Wildlife Trust (Lords of the Manor for the site), English Nature (the government's nature department, now called Natural England), and the University of Antwerp, Belgium (from where our friend Dr. Dirk Boeye comes from). Sadly, his beloved Piper Cub PA-38 was destroyed, along with many other historic aircraft, when some mindless person (or someone with a more sinister plan) deliberately set fire to the hangar and clubhouse of Felthorpe Flying Club in February 2003.
Phil Davison - Phil joined the Group in the mid 90s whilst a student at the University of East Anglia. He found our activities and the site so rewarding that he became a regular member of the crew. Phil is mainly interested in birds and his identification skills are most impressive. He took over the role of Buxton Heath voluntary warden when I moved from Norfolk in May 2004. Phil continues the tradition of transporting minibus-loads of UEA students to the site, and so has, in effect, gone full circle!