A new wildflower meadow and accessible wildlife garden have been created at Horsey in the Norfolk Broads, thanks to the work of the Norfolk National Trust Volunteers Group (NNTVG).

The Horsey Breathing Places project was funded by £8,000 from the Big Lottery Fund. It was launched officially by Sir Nicholas Bacon, The National Trust’s Regional Chairman, who planted a Silver Birch tree to mark the occasion. Pupils from Winterton Primary School planted some wild flowers in the meadow and had a go at pond dipping as part of the celebrations.

© David Lees

Along with the wildflower meadow, an orchard has been planted with varieties of apple trees local to Horsey including Norfolk Royal (North Walsham), ‘Happisburgh’, Jordan's Weeping (Horning) and Green Roland, an East Norfolk speciality.

Rupert Wheeler, Chairman of NNTVG, said:

The meadow has already proved very attractive to bees, hoverflies and butterflies and 15 species have been recorded so far including Dark Green Fritillary, Purple Hairstreak, Swallowtail and Ringlet. Other wildlife spotted has included grass snake, Chinese Water Deer and Barn owl.

Adam Stevens, a regular volunteer at Horsey and member of NNTVG added:
'A wheelchair-friendly wildlife garden has been created as part of the project. The garden planting has been designed to attract wildlife and also to provide a sensory experience with scented flowers and foliage, coloured and textured leaves. Two raised ponds bring aquatic life closer to wheelchair users, something which is not often easy for disabled visitors to see in the Broads. The ponds will also be used for children's pond dipping activities.'

The funding has also provided ‘explorer’ education packs for children, pond dipping equipment and bird nest boxes. A wheelchair-friendly picnic table donated by local North Norfolk National Trust Members Group adds the finishing touch.

Steve Prowse, The National Trust’s Warden at Horsey provided support to the volunteers throughout the project, and praised their efforts: