The East Anglian Film Archive, the first and largest Regional Film Archive in England, was established in 1976. Since 1984, EAFA has been owned and operated by the University of East Anglia, Norwich (UEA), to support research and work to preserve our moving image heritage. More than 250 hours are freely available online as examples of the wide range of film which attracts interest the world over.
This film is part of Free
Suffolk Heath
This wonderful film is a twitcher's delight and unique record of what are now, decades later, rare sightings of many birds including the stone curlew - or "thick knees".
From the collection of:
Overview
Made in 1950 by talented film maker and natural history enthusiast John Chear, these moving images capture the birdlife nestling in the sandy heathland of Dunwich near Westleton. The close ups and clarity of the birds in their natural habitat is the result, undoubtedly, of the filmmaker's patience, dedication and love of these special birds including sand martins, lapwings and the emergence of stone curlew chicks.
Hertfordshire based, John Chear was a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and the Linnean Society and made a number of films focusing on wildlife. John was assisted in the making of this film by the RSPB. In 1968, Dunwich became owned by the National Trust and continues today as a protected habitat and home to some special species of birds and wildlife.
Related
Watch for free
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Watch for free
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.