Improvement works begin at Wensum Park woodland

Norwich City Council and Norwich Fringe Project are carrying out initial works over February and March which will include digging out the heavily silted pond and ornamental ditch systems, installing an additional bridge, and selectively thinning the woodland.

Norwich City Services will also undertake a litter pick to ensure the area is clean and tidy.

Work started on site on Monday 27 February and is expected to take a month to complete - for the duration the area will be closed off to the public.

In autumn 2023 the woodland will then be replanted with a mixture of native tree species, helping to support local wildlife and increase resilience to the effects of climate change.

The project has been supported by funding of £85,000 from The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Levelling Up Parks Fund, following a successful bid in 2022.

While teams are on site the area may become wet and muddy, but with warmer months approaching it will soon dry out and vegetation will quickly re-establish.

To ensure that the park’s wildlife benefits from any changes, an Ecological Impact Assessment has been carried out by Norfolk Wildlife Services.

Cllr Adam Giles, cabinet member for community and wellbeing, said:

“I’m delighted for the local community that we are carrying out these works to improve Wensum Park. In addition to the new equipment being installed in the playpark, these changes to the woodland area will help make it a safer, more accessible place for everyone to enjoy. 

“Boosting biodiversity is a key aim of the council, and that is why it is so important that our plans also focus on how we can provide the best possible habitats, ensuring the park benefits residents and wildlife alike.”  

For more information about the parks and open spaces run by Norwich City Council, visit: www.norwich.gov.uk/parks
 

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