Grant will help to fight climate change

As it celebrates its centenary, Norfolk Wildlife Trust has received nearly half a million pounds for the Hickling Broad and Marshes nature reserve.

The money, from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is to help the largest of the Norfolk broads adapt to a changing climate and create new ways for people to enjoy it.

The £453,000 grant was made after the trust shared its vision for the future.

It will mean the charity can “design and deliver” the first phase of the work.

The plans will include restoring 45 hectares of newly acquired wet grazing marsh on Whittle’s Marsh to benefit breeding waders, including lapwing, snipe and redshank; reconnecting 63 hectares of drained land within the reedbeds to the broad – re-establishing a larger, more resilient natural floodplain; and restoring existing wetland scrapes, providing an improved habitat for waterbirds and waders – particularly those migrating – and creating opportunities for close encounters with wildlife.

The trust’s Rachel Savage said: “We are creating a future in which Hickling’s habitats are protected, wildlife is thriving, and people are learning, exploring and enjoying the many benefits of being in nature.

“We will focus on the urgent need to improve the resilience of the nature reserve’s nationally important habitats in the face of climate change.

“This work is vital in supporting the special wildlife the Broads are famous for, including breeding crane, spoonbill, marsh harrier, bittern, lapwing and the iconic swallowtail butterfly, long into the future.”

Proposed plans for visitor facilities include improved paths, viewpoints and signs as well as a new welcome cabin and a Changing Places toilet at the staithe.

A circular walk is also being designed.

The funding will allow Norfolk Wildlife Trust to put detailed plans in place over the next 18 months. This will enable the charity to apply for further funds to make the first phase of its vision a reality sooner rather than later. Thoughts from residents and visitors will be sought. As it celebrates its centenary, Norfolk Wildlife Trust has received nearly half a million pounds for the Hickling Broad and Marshes nature reserve.

The money, from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is to help the largest of
the Norfolk broads adapt to a changing climate and create new ways for people to enjoy it.

The £453,000 grant was made after the trust shared its vision for the future.

It will mean the charity can “design and deliver” the first phase of the work.

The plans will include restoring 45 hectares of newly acquired wet grazing marsh on Whittle’s Marsh to benefit breeding waders, including lapwing, snipe and redshank; reconnecting 63 hectares of drained land within the reedbeds to the broad – re-establishing a larger, more resilient natural floodplain; and restoring existing wetland scrapes, providing an improved habitat for waterbirds and waders – particularly those migrating – and creating opportunities for close encounters with wildlife.

The trust’s Rachel Savage said: “We are creating a future in which Hickling’s habitats are protected, wildlife is thriving, and people are learning, exploring and enjoying the many benefits of being in nature.

“We will focus on the urgent need to improve the resilience of the nature reserve’s nationally important habitats in the face of climate change.

“This work is vital in supporting the special wildlife the Broads are famous for, including breeding crane, spoonbill, marsh harrier, bittern, lapwing and the iconic swallowtail butterfly, long into the future.”

Proposed plans for visitor facilities include improved paths, viewpoints and signs as well as a new welcome cabin and a Changing Places toilet at the staithe.

A circular walk is also being designed.

The funding will allow Norfolk Wildlife Trust to put detailed plans in place over the next 18 months. This will enable the charity to apply for further funds to make the first phase of its vision a reality sooner rather than later. Thoughts from residents and visitors will be sought.