A group associated with a north Norfolk nature reserve has raised concerns over the way it is being managed after a conservation officer who devoted more than two decades of his life to the site was one of more than a dozen staff to leave.
Protesters gathered outside Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve, near Fakenham, on Monday (July 24), to make their voices heard by the Hawk and Owl Trust - the charity that runs the 200-acre site.
A total of 14 staff members have left the reserve over the last four years – including conservation officer Nigel Middleton, who was allegedly made redundant after 21 years.
READ MORE: Large reward offered following 'callous' torture of hedgehog
Angela Glynn, from Fakenham, who has fundraised for Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve on behalf of the Hawk and Owl Trust since 2017, said: “it’s a disastrous situation”.
“I’m appalled at the treatment of staff,” she said.
“We’ve seen qualified people have their contracts terminated and we’ve lost so many people with expertise.
“Staff and volunteers were unhappy, but what tipped people over the edge was when Nigel Middleton, who found this piece of land more than 20 years ago and carved out the heart of the reserve, was made redundant.
“It’s ripped him apart emotionally. He’s seen 21 years of his work and his own physical effort just thrown out the window.
“The reserve now has no scientists or conservationists. We all felt it was time to say to the trustees ‘you’ve got to step up and make some changes’.”
READ MORE: Banking 'hubs' touted as answer to high street exodus
A complaint has been filed to the charity commission.
A Hawk and Owl Trust spokesperson said: “The Trust is a well-run and governed organisation with a very experienced trustee body.
“We understand that a small number of people previously connected with the charity in various ways are resistant to the positive progress and management changes that have been made.
“Any criticism of the charity is completely unwarranted, misplaced and risks undermining the work being undertaken.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here