The Mid Norfolk Workout Group, a new Heritage Lottery-funded local conservation project, has been kept busy through March with coppicing at Foxley Wood Norfolk Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve and work to maintain wildlife habitats at Mayfields Farm, Themelthorpe, which is run by the Countryside Restoration Trust.
During the month, volunteers helped dredge leaves from a series of old clay pits that have become valuable wildlife habitats, but are gradually filling up with silt.
The group’s programme for April and May will include working to create a wildlife garden for local schoolchildren, as well as visits to sites to discover hidden natural and man-made heritage.
Mark Webster, The Conservation Volunteers Norfolk health projects officer, said: “We are really looking forward to working with local people at these beautiful wildlife sites in the heart of Norfolk, giving people the chance to connect with nature and make a positive difference to their own natural heritage.
“The new project has started really well with six people joining us for the first week and over a dozen for the second.”
Initial jobs have included step-building to improve footpath access at Mayfields Farm and coppicing trees to let light in at Foxley Wood, which should encourage wildflowers, butterflies and ground-nesting birds.
“I'm delighted at how much we have got done already,” Mr Webster continued. “It just shows how a group of people working together at a gentle pace can still make a real difference for wildlife.”
- If you would like to find out what free activities are available, please contact group organiser Mark Webster 07843 069567 or m.webster@tcv.org.uk
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