Nature and environment

Living in the reclaimed land of the Fens surrounded by man-made waterways, Alf Wilson and John Waters make a living from the willows and eels.

In 1989 the Broads was given the status of a national park, but the problems arising from holidaymaking, local farming and neglect were recognised far earlier as a risk to this unique man-made and natural environment. This 1948 film was made by a concerned campaigner when the first national parks were being created.

This dramatic record of the devastation caused by the sea surge of 1953 includes the area of Canvey Island where 58 people lost their lives. The film was made in the height of the emergency by Richard Pike for Essex County Council, and it shows the measures taken to provide for homeless people, as well as repair to banks and seawalls.

Close observation of delightful creatures and plants of the Broads area filmed in colour by naturalist and conservation Philip Wayre.

Aubrey Buxton drives through the villages to meet Billy Bishop, warden of Cley Marshes to discuss the ways of wildfowl. Aubrey Buxton, later Lord Buxton of Alsa, was a founder director of Anglia Television and became Chief Executive. A naturalist from childhood, he was the knowledgeable presenter of the ‘Countyman’ programmes from which this episode is taken, and went on to establish the internationally celebrated ‘Survival’ series.

The animals and plants of Breckland on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, including deer, red squirrels and badgers, recorded in colour by naturalist and television presenter Philip Wayre.

Naturalist, writer and broadcaster Ted Ellis is seen at his home at Wheatfen near Surlingham in this short film to introduce a television studio interview.

Philip Wayre founded the Otter Trust and successfully campaigned to restore the small and endangered population of wild otters in the East of England region, with benefit across the country. He was well known to viewers of Anglia Television in the 1960s when he presented his films in the ‘Countryman’ series. He filmed much of this 1978 programme, directed by Colin Willock, for the world-famous ‘Survival’ series from Anglia Television.