Norfolk Wildlife Trust reveal plans for Sweet Briar Marshes

Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT) has released sketches, maps and design ideas to give people an insight into what Sweet Briar Marshes could look like.

Paths, information points and viewing points will form part of the first phases of work at the reserve with ideas put forward about how the 90-acre wildlife haven could evolve.

A bird viewpoint, pictured, are just one of the facilities available at Sweet Briar Marshes (Image: National Wildlife Trust)
Natalie Bailey, director of engagement for NWT, said: “We're so excited to be at the stage of sharing our collective ambitions for Sweet Briar Marshes.

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"Our new nature reserve presents us, and the people of Norwich, with incredible opportunities.

A concept design for how Sweet Briar Marshes could look when it opens in Spring 2024 (Image: National Wildlife Trust)
"We have the chance to protect and enhance 90 acres of nature and wildness to inspire an urban community to act for nature.

"We want to give those who may not have connected with nature before, somewhere they can explore and grow to love."

A community hub is a priority for NWT at Sweet Briar Marshes but will need further consultation and planning (Image: Norfolk Wildlife Trust)

Some work is already under way at the reserve and will be completed before it opens to the public - expected in spring 2024 - such as seating, signs and mapped-out routes.

In January last year, NWT spent £600,000 to secure the site, near Hellesdon, which has the River Wensum running through it and the Marriott's Way alongside it.

Sweet Briar Marshes was purchased by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust in 2022 (Image: Denzil Dean)

The land was initially bought by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, which agreed to hold the land for two years to give NWT time to raise funds, with Aviva match funding up to £300,000 to complete the public appeal in just four months.

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NWT added that community engagement has been integral to making sure Sweet Briar Marshes is developed in a way that benefits both wildlife and people.

A lookout platform at Sweet Briar Marshes which can be used by the public when it opens (Image: National Wildlife Trust)

NWT also manages nature reserves including Cley and Salthouse Marshes, Hickling Broad and Thorpe Marshes.

More than 1,000 people have shared their ideas for the reserve at NWT drop-in events and in online surveys during the last year.

An aerial view of the proposed plans for Sweet Briar Marshes (Image: National Wildlife Trust)