What is NWT’s vision for the site?
NWT wants to establish a wilder Norwich for all. Sweet Briar Marshes, given its proximity to Norwich, gives a great opportunity to protect urban wildlife at scale, improve conservation connectivity along the Wensum River corridor, and bring urban communities closer to nature.
Is this just for Norwich residents?
No. Our members and the many visitors to Norwich will also be able to access the nature reserve when Sweet Briar Marshes is opened to the public. This is a wilder Norwich for all.
How did we raise the money to buy the estate?
£300,000 was raised following a public appeal, and amazingly, Aviva matched that pound for pound up to another £300,000.
Does Aviva’s contribution mean that it will have a stake in ownership or control of the site?
Aviva are long-term supporters of NWT, and provide financial contributions in a number of ways for purely charitable reasons. They have recently announced the ‘Aviva Sustainability Vision’ for their corporate strategy, and NWT’s plans at Sweet Briar Marshes are seen as a practical way that they can follow this, in the county where 5,000 Aviva staff live and work. NWT are very grateful for Aviva’s generous support, given in return for no title, ownership or influence over the management of the site.
Why is NWT supporting Marlpit Community Centre to run their public consultation around the future use of The Gatehouse?
Marlpit Community Centre is interested in finding out if there is local interest in the idea of The Gatehouse becoming a 'Community Asset.' This means being run by the community for local benefit. Norfolk Wildlife Trust is supporting them to deliver their consultation because we feel that The Gatehouse could be a valuable community facility next to Sweet Briar Marshes, our new nature reserve. We spoke to over 1,000 people as part of our community engagement, many of whom said it was important that we should try to connect Sweet Briar Marshes with the local area to create a sense of community to protect nature and help wildlife to flourish. Our current wildlife projects in this community have been successful and The Gatehouse’s garden and river access could be a base for more nature-based projects.
How would NWT be involved in the running of the space should it become a Community Asset?
We want to explore ways of working with the local community and stakeholders to investigate the potential The Gatehouse provides in terms of providing facilities for people using Sweet Briar Marshes, as well as a space for educational activities.
If the community do not support buying The Gatehouse as a community facility or it is sold on the open market, we would try to work with the new owner(s) in the same way because of its location next to Sweet Briar Marshes and the River Wensum and the many opportunities that this could create.
How can I help or get involved in Sweet Briar Marshes?
If you would like to be kept up to date on our progress at Sweet Briar Marshes and how you can support the project, or for opportunities to get involved in the future, please get in touch:
[email protected]
When will I be able to visit Sweet Briar Marshes?
Sweet Briar Marshes is not currently open to the public, but we anticipate it being open in spring 2024.
Will it cost money to visit Sweet Briar Marshes?
This nature reserve will be free to visit when it opens to the public.
To help us manage and care for the site, NWT will continue to seek support e.g. through membership and donations.