Wildlife Trust Transforms Author’s Former Residence into Reserve

An initiative by a wildlife trust is underway to convert the former residence of an author into a studio and a nature reserve. Ronald Blythe, recognized for his 1969 work Akenfield, a depiction of village life in Suffolk, passed away in 2023 at the age of 100. His home, named Bottengoms and located in Wormingford, Essex, was bequeathed to the Essex Wildlife Trust. According to the trust, Blythe’s desire was for the property to serve as a nature reserve and to incorporate a studio for writers. Officials from the trust stated they are investigating methods to realize Blythe’s “vision” and have established an advisory group, a development initially reported by The Guardian. The trust also mentioned that the writer’s 16th-century yeoman farmer’s house had been gifted to Blythe by his friends. The trust articulated: “Ronnie’s wish was for the estate to become a nature reserve and to include a studio to inspire writers, artists, photographers, natural historians and historians for generations to come.” It further stated: “The trust has set up an advisory group including Ronnie’s friends, the executors of his will… and literary academics to develop a vision and steward the estate in a way that fulfils Ronnie’s wishes as closely as possible.” Trust officials indicated that fundraising efforts are underway for this initiative. The author experienced a childhood marked by poverty near Sudbury, Suffolk, and pursued self-education through borrowed library books. Blythe authored over 30 books during his career, and in 2017, he received the CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his contributions to literature. Following his death, his friend Ian Collins remarked: “He had this earthy Suffolk philosophy; he was immensely wise but he wore it so lightly.” Collins added: “Being with Ronnie Blythe in one of his books is like being on a magic carpet – the exhilaration of being alive, and of nature and the world and what people have done, all the good things.” A film adaptation of Akenfield was directed by Sir Peter Hall in 1974. For updates on Essex news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.