MP James Wild praises Le Strange Estate in Old Hunstanton for its approach to conservation

James Wild has taken a step into the world of wildlife conservation as part of his visit to a coastal town’s estate.

The North West Norfolk MP went to the historic Le Strange Estate in Old Hunstanton on Monday, February 17 to see what its approach to sustainable land management and rural enterprise is.

Managed by the Le Strange family for more than 1,000 years, the attraction supports farming, tourism, and biodiversity while maintaining traditional countryside pursuits.

Charles Le Strange Meakin and gamekeeper Gareth Maund guided Mr Wild through The Downs, which feature in-land chalk cliffs.

They discussed the benefits of responsible gamekeeping for ecosystems and went on to see flocks of pink-footed geese taking flight from sugar beet fields and calling overhead.

Mr Wild also had the opportunity to try clay shooting with biodegradable clays and non-lead ammunition - a practice which sees guests from the UK and abroad come to the estate to try it out.

Representatives from the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), including regional officer Ryan Darby and political affairs manager Jak Abrahams, later talked about their beliefs about the wider benefits shooting can bring regarding jobs, the economy, habitat management, and conservation.

The MP said: "It was valuable to see first-hand how the Le Strange estate alongside BASC is balancing conservation with rural traditions.

“Their commitment to sustainable land management, biodiversity, and responsible gamekeeping is a model for how we can protect the environment while supporting the local economy.”

The visit also showcased the estate’s efforts to enhance biodiversity, including newly-restored wetlands and habitat projects designed to support waders, ground-nesting birds, and other wildlife.

Mr Darby added: “It was a great opportunity to host Mr Wild and discuss the environmental, social, and economic benefits that shooting brings to the rural landscape.

“This includes providing protection and habitat for red-listed species, such as spoonbills and curlews, as well as year-round international tourism, creating local employment, and contributing to the health and well-being of the rural community.”

Mr Wild praised the estate’s integrated approach to environmental protection and highlighted his beliefs regarding how conservation, agriculture, and rural traditions can work hand-in-hand to benefit both the environment and the local economy.