Learning about the Wensum Valley through Citizen Science!

Published: Wed, 09/22/21

You are invited to an evening of story telling and poetry - see event details below

Update on our SWL Citizen science project

Habitat survey of the Wensum

The survey team have put a lot of work in and field work is nearly complete. We are now working with a UEA PhD researcher to have the information transferred to digital maps. We will then be comparing our results with NCC surveys (they have missed one or two things before - like major bat colonies...)

The cultural landscape

Surveys will show how the cultural landscape of the valley would be adversely affected by the NWL.

We want to look further into landscape features including historic buildings. The cultural importance of the area, such as in the work of Alfred Munnings is also something we want to highlight. Anyone who is interested in this aspect of the Wensum and Norwich area: we would love some help! Please reply to this email if you are interested.

Footpaths

Footpaths will be affected if the NWL is built. Footpaths have a legal status, as well as being important to allow people to appreciate the area and make local journeys off road. More permissive paths in the area would increase its amenity value. We would like to look more into the access/footpaths more, so if this interests you please get in touch!

Help a local student with their geography project on NWL

Asking whether it is a project that should go ahead. Short survey, only takes a few minutes to complete.

Posters/leaflets

Our fabulous posters are now available to go up in your windows, in shops, cafes, by roadsides...., and leaflets to leave in cafes, pubs, community spaces. There are still lots of people that are not aware that this road is so destructive and expensive, so help us spread the word!

They are available to pick up (free) at Ernie's Zero Waste Shop in Norwich. We will also have some at in person events as we have them.

Events

Common Ground: Storytelling, poetry and discussion - from John Clare’s Helpston to Twyford Down

October 23rd 7pm, Weston Longville Village Hall

You are invited to an evening of poems and stories, tales of environmental protest and discussion, composed around the life and times of English countryman and poet John Clare and the first hand account of an environmental protest against a road project in Hampshire.

Local acclaimed storyteller Hugh Lupton, and ecologist Helen Beynon, lead us on a journey celebrating the beauty of our countryside, the threat of its disruption and destruction and the importance to us all of its preservation.

All proceeds to the Stop The Wensum Link Campaign

To book tickets

What's the Alternative? and River Rights meetings

There will be meetings next month, dates TBC. Keep an eye on the events page of website or use upcoming events button at top of this email.

Actions meeting 11th October 5.30pm

Come and join our friendly team working on getting the word out on the Norwich Western Link Road. We are mainly working towards our BIG river rights event we are planning for the Spring! Any little time contribution is helpful, we have so much to do....

Zoom link for meeting