Here is the news for the East of England region from the last six months. If you require older stories please contact the regional offices.

Ickworth needs your help
June 2009
We are hoping to open up new domestic areas and re-present the kitchens, as well as capturing the memories of former servants. This project will ensure unique glimpses into our past are saved for the future.

Ickworth stumps up a secret garden
June 2009

The late Victorian stumpery at Ickworth has recently been refurbished and expanded, creating an additional area of interest to the gardens of this stunning property.

Dig for history
June 2009

Interested in archaeology and want to find out more? Why not join in and dig for history and celebrate some of our country’s hidden past during the Festival of British Archaeology.

Growing gardeners of the future
June 2009

Some of the National Trust’s finest gardens will be opening their gates to raise funds for the National Garden Scheme this July, highlighting the schemes support of the Trust’s ‘Careership’ programme.

One More Visit!
June 2009
We're launching the One More Visit campaign to encourage people to rediscover their nearest property. Just One More Visit to your nearest National Trust place can make all the difference.

Rare heron visits Wicken Fen
May 2009
An extremely rare visitor to Britain, the Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) has been spotted at our Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve in Cambridgeshire.

Sunflower sowing
May 2009
Schoolchildren from Petersfield School Orwell, Wimpole’s Guardianship School, planted their own sunflowers at Wimpole as part of the National Trust’s ‘Food Glorious Food’ campaign.

Coggeshall volunteers celebrate Heritage in Our Hands
May 2009
The Friends of Coggeshall Grange Barn celebrated ‘Heritage in Our Hands’, a project to research and record the story of the Barn for all to enjoy. The event was a double celebration as 2009 is the 20th anniversary of Coggeshall Grange Barn being given to the National Trust.

Metalworks at Bourne Mill
May 2009
The National Trust’s Bourne Mill in Colchester recently received some tlc in the form of maintenance and restoration of the Mill wheel, undertaken by Dorothea Restorations.

Wicken Fen Vision celebrates 10 years
May 2009
The Wicken Fen Vision is a 100-year project by the National Trust to create a landscape-scale nature reserve and green lung for Cambridgeshire and the East of England.

Paycocke's people
May 2009
Natalie Simpson has been appointed as Custodian at Paycocke’s, the stunning Gothic merchant’s house in Coggeshall. This is a radical change for the previously tenanted National Trust house which will mean more access and enjoyment for visitors.

New orchard for Oxburgh
April 2009
The last few months have been a busy time for the gardening team at the National Trust’s Oxburgh Hall, as an exciting project to redevelop the orchard was started and completed.

Stately screenings
April 2009
Picture a balmy summer’s evening settled in front of your favourite movie, from the comfort of a stunning National Trust property! We have teamed up with Sky, The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and Screen East to bring an exciting programme of outdoor cinema to our East of England properties this summer.

New Chairman for Regional Committee
April 2009
Anthea Case has been ratified as the next Chairman of the National Trust’s Regional Committee. Anthea will take the reins of the charity’s steering group from Sir Nicholas Bacon in October.

Bureau returns to Melford
April 2009
A bureau that arrived at auction after being found in pieces in outbuildings belonging to an antique dealer; has been discovered to have originated from Melford Hall.

Appetite for change
March 2009
Supporting local producers is integral to the long-term survival of regional businesses, communities and character, according to the National Trust in a new report.

Long service at Blickling
March 2009
Two members of the team at the National Trust’s Blickling Hall have clocked up an impressive 81 years of service between them. Dave Cockaday, Maintenance Operative, has worked there for 45 years, and Stephen Hagon, Assistant Head Gardener, 36 years.

Blickling celebrates anniversary with exhibition
March 2009
Blickling Hall in Norfolk will this year be marking the centenary of the pageant play The Masque of Anne Boleyn with an exhibition.

Felbrigg Hall revamps restaurant
March 2009
Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk has revamped its Turret Tearoom and Carriage House Restaurant, allowing visitors to enjoy the delights of local and seasonal food in style.

A Warmer Welcome at Lavenham
February 2009
One of the finest timber-framed buildings in Britain, built from the great wealth of woollen cloth production in the area, undergoes essential maintenance to improve the heating efficiency of the building.

Pompeian Room conservation
February 2009
Essential conservation work is underway at The National Trust’s Ickworth House to protect the Pompeian Room’s rare Neo-Classical paintings and decorative plasterwork.

Community Warden for Hatfield Forest
February 2009
Next time you head for the National Trust’s Hatfield Forest, look out for a fresh face. Laura Slater has joined the team, taking on the new role of Community Warden.

Treatment for Trust's trees
February 2009
The National Trust is undertaking essential maintenance work around Wisbech to keep its trees in safe and healthy condition.

Welcome to the feast
February 2009
This March, Sutton Hoo is due to unveil a new exhibition for 2009, exploring the themes of feasting, ceremony and entertainment. The exhibition will showcase treasures from around England, including drinking horns, silver plates and goblets.

Sheringham Park Breathing Place
February 2009
Visitors will soon be enjoying ‘The Bower’ at The National Trust’s Sheringham Park, a special place for families and education groups, thanks to funding from Breathing Places.

Shire horses at Wimpole Home Farm
January 2009
Visitors to Wimpole Home Farm can look forward to meeting the newest members of the family. Shire horses Queenie and Joseph are settling into their new home at Wimpole Home Farm.

Thatch repair at Bridge Cottage
January 2009
Work is underway to repair the ridges and tidy up the thatch at Bridge Cottage, Flatford. The work will see the 16th century Cottage at the heart of Constable Country through for up to 15 years.