£98,000 Nature Fund boost for South Norfolk

South Norfolk Council’s Nature Fund is supporting communities to enhance local green spaces, with projects including wildflower meadows, mini forests, pond restoration, native tree planting and new walking routes.

The Otter Trust in Dickleburgh has been awarded £10,000 to create ponds, plant 100 native black poplar trees and establish 1,320 metres of hedging, alongside a new permissive path.

Wymondham Town Council will receive £10,000 to create a 200m² Miyawaki mini forest at Browick Recreation Ground, while Poringland Parish Council has been awarded £9,472.80 to connect up a 1,300-metre circular path and establish and manage a meadow.

South Norfolk Council's Cabinet Member for the Environment, Cllr Martyn Hooton, said:

It’s fantastic to see so many exciting projects coming forward from communities across South Norfolk. These schemes will create and improve valuable habitats, from ponds and meadows to hedgerows and trees, while making our green spaces even better places for residents to enjoy. “

"By working with our communities and investing in nature at a local level, we can make a real difference to wildlife and create greener, more resilient places for the future.”

The other successful projects are: • Spooner Row, Suton & Wattlefield Community Council – £9,000 for fruit trees, tree management, seating, signage and a new tree trail.

• Ormiston Academies Trust – £10,000 to restore a pond and improve a wildlife garden.

• Diss Town Council – £10,000 for Diss Mere improvements including planting, floating wetland modules and water testing.

• Easton College/City College Norwich – £9,960 to restore two ponds, create accessible grass paths, plant 16 trees and install interpretation boards.

• Loddon Town Council – £8,660 for pond restoration, tree and hedge management, planting, paths, fencing and interpretation boards.

• Cringleford Parish Council – £8,058.73 for a Miyawaki mini forest, new trees and hedging, a wildflower meadow and bird boxes.

• Hethersett Parish Council – £2,758 for pond restoration and associated tree works.

• Costessey Town Council – £8,430 for a mini forest, pond restoration, a circular path and 15 fruit trees.

• Ditchingham Parish Council – £1,870 for planting fruit trees, installation of a bench and a pedestrian gate.

Click here for more information about the scheme.

Pic: L-R: Roger Walsh, Nick Green, Ben Potterton, Paul Mayhew of the Otter Trust