Supporter groups in Norfolk

Visitors standing by a rhododendron bush at Sheringham Park, Norfolk — Wildlife and plants are in abundance at Sheringham Park | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

Interested in making the most of the National Trust near you in Norfolk? Join your local supporter group to enjoy special interest talks, visits, holidays and other social and fundraising events or hands-on conservation activities. There are three different groups you could join in Norfolk, including a volunteer group which help rangers to conserve special places across the county. Read on to find your nearest group or click on a supporter group’s name in the menu to jump to their details.

Why join a supporter group?

Getting together with other National Trust enthusiasts, members and volunteers who feel passionate about the same things is priceless. Sharing unique experiences and finding out more about the places you care about is what being part of a local National Trust supporter group is all about.

From listening to expert talks and going on behind-the-scenes tours to taking relaxing holidays or restoring natural habitats in the great outdoors, you’ll be part of something amazing. Supporter groups promote and assist the National Trust’s work within their local area and raise money for conservation and development projects through all kinds of events.

Norfolk National Trust Volunteers

The Norfolk National Trust Volunteers (NNTV) group helps rangers to maintain and conserve Trust sites around Norfolk. It was re-launched in October 1996 and has been a thriving group ever since. This group of friendly like-minded people aged 18 to 80 meet on alternate Sundays.

Group tasks include: repairing or removing tree fences, pulling up rhododendrons, coppicing and cutting back gorse. Bonfires are a regular feature on a task. The group is also very involved with the annual open day on Heigham Holmes.

Volunteers don't have to be super fit, just prepared to give it a go. Members work safely and at their own pace, having a fun and enjoyable time. Tools and gloves are provided. Members don't have to attend every task. The group also arrange a few social events during the year.

As tasks could be at anywhere from Brancaster to Horsey to Oxburgh Hall, it’s necessary to have access to transport.

Garden volunteers in the garden at Blickling, Norfolk in September — Garden volunteers weeding in the garden at Blickling, Norfolk in September | © National Trust Images/Neil Jakeman

North Norfolk Association

The North Norfolk Association is based in West Runton, between Cromer and Sheringham, and members come from a wide area around. There are just over 100 members, and new members are always welcome.

The group’s aim is not only to raise funds for National Trust but to meet like- minded people and make new friends.

From September to April there is a monthly meeting at the Links Hotel, West Runton, which starts at 11am with a talk, followed by a buffet lunch which gives members a chance to socialise. The talks cover a range of topics, many of which are of local interest.

During the summer months they arrange visits to stately homes, National Trust sites and other places of interest. They also aim to offer a short break each year and last year had a very enjoyable three day trip to London which included visits to Eltham Palace, the Red House and the Thames Barrier.

West Norfolk Association

The West Norfolk Association, formed in 1981, is a friendly group that shares an appreciation for the historic legacy left to us by previous generations. Group members provide support to the work of the National Trust and many of the members are volunteers at nearby Oxburgh Hall.

The group arranges a variety of events throughout the year, which they hope will encourage you to consider joining. Recent highlights have been the spring lunch at Sandringham Visitor Centre and a church tour during the King’s Lynn Festival.

There's also a series of lectures during the winter covering broad topics such as ‘St George’s Guildhall in King’s Lynn’ and ‘Art and Life in Historic Venice’. Plus, there are holidays to consider.