Getting ready to make a legal challenge to the NWL

Published: Mon, 04/05/21

Our big news this month: we are launching a crowdfunder for a legal fighting fund!

The evidence is stacking up: the Wensum Valley has various strong legal protections; the river is an SAC, there are SSSIs, the presence of endangered bats, the whole area is actually eligible to be an SAC.

Where there are potential ecological harms Norfolk County Council has an obligation to look at alternatives in as much detail as the project they propose. This they haven't done. Ploughing on with this project will be contravening environmental law, and it will be up to us to make sure it is upheld.

Unfortunately legal help doesn't come cheap. The ultimate aim is £50,000, but our starting target is £25,000. The need for legal funds often comes up quickly, so we want to get prepared now. The launch will be on 26th April. We will need lots of help to spread the word, so please look out for the next email with all the details!

We have so many events coming up, thanks to all our volunteers who are putting so much work in. See below for what's on.

Recently we had the Tracks and Trails online workshop which was well attended, and fun and informative. There is still time to make an animal themed hat or mask to join in the parade in May! See attached PDF with full instructions.

A big thankyou to beryl bikes!

Survey work in the Wensum Valley will be continuing this year.

This is essential because we know that NCC's surveys are missing things: remember those bats they hadn't noticed.

Beryl bikes are allowing surveyors to use their bikes for free, and their e-bikes for a much reduced rate. This allows those in Norwich to take part without using a car. This is especially useful while car-sharing is still discouraged, and because there is little to no public transport. So thankyou to beryl bikes for helping provide alternatives to everyone driving separately. Contact us if you want to help with the surveys!

The Stop the Wensum Link team

What can I do?

Crowdfunder next 12 weeks

If you have time to spare, but only temporarily, this might be the role for you. If you can write an email you can help! We are especially looking for instagramers, or facebook ads help.

Volunteers for habitat and river surveys

If you have been surveying before then you should hear from Liz soon. If you would like to help with habitat surveys in the Wensum area, or with monitoring in the river Wensum itself eg looking at river flies please email us.

Other groups:

We have people looking at alternative solutions to the road. There is also an ecologist group. Please let us know if you would like to help with either.

Events

Wensum Valley: Your View

All of April

We would love to see your photos, videos or artwork of the Wensum Valley! Small details, landscape, people, wildlife. Please share with us on social media or email stopthewensumlink@protonmail.com

Artists' Meeting

Tuesday April 6th 7pm

details here

Strategy Meeting ( Wensum Valley Association and SWL)

TBC probably 7th April evening. Please email if you want to be involved.

Webinar: The Wensum Valley an English Idyll

22nd April 7pm

Alfred Munnings, famous for his paintings of horses and travellers spent time in the Wensum Valley in the 1900s. He called this area his 'English idyll'. Learn more from the curator of the Munnings museum and see some lovely examples of his work (including picture above).

A Walk in the Wensum: Sounds of Spring

First in-person event of the year!

Sunday April 25th 2pm

details here

Actions Meeting

May 4th 5.30pm

zoom link here

We are pleased to see new people at every meeting lately! All welcome.

Tracks and Trails

May 8th contact Helen Wells (see below)

Webinar: Why Building Roads doesn't work

May 22nd 7pm

With Transport for Quality of Life and Transport Action Network

register here