Grapevine Article - July
- Trevor Graham
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
South Norfolk Council have established a ‘Nature Conservation Fund’ and are currently accepting applications for grants of up to £10,000 for projects to bring nature closer to home. The first step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with an outline proposal.
We have been working with representatives from many environmental groups who will bring their knowledge and expertise to a community project: Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, University of East Anglia, Waveney Volunteers for Nature, and Waveney Bird Club have helped submit an EOI and will assist delivery of a project to enhance land off Rushall Road. The proposal has the support of the School Academy and Adrian Ramsey the MP for Waveney Valley.
The vision includes the potential restoration of a zombie pond and excavation of a ghost pond. A zombie pond is one which currently has no wildlife, and a ghost pond is one that has vanished. There would be mini forests, carefully managed areas for nature, bird and owl boxes, and a circular walk with information boards and resting spots. We intend to hold sessions to involve the community and will provide regular updates. This is a project for everyone.
There are many steps involved in the process. Our EOI must first be reviewed by SNC and if approved, we will be invited to submit a full application containing more details. The full applications will be considered with successful applications announced in September. There is still some way to go, and we have additional administrative hurdles. The land at Rushall Road belongs to SNC and we will require a right to manage agreement, and a change of use planning application to convert the land from arable to conservation and recreational use.
We are forming a new community group specifically for this exciting project and would love to hear from you. If you are interested in helping out, or would simply like more information please email us at: greenspace@naturerecoveryinharleston.org.uk
You can find more information at:
This article was first published in The Grapevine July edition.
