Reserve map nearest to Marlpit gate
Transcript
You are at the Marlpit entrance to NWT Sweet Briar Marshes on the west side of the reserve. In the spring and summer, the grassland buzzes with insects collecting nectar from wildflowers. In winter, listen out for the wind moving through the branches of the trees that line the neighbouring Marriott’s Way, as well as geese passing through the Wensum valley. From here you can enjoy following the wide paved path into and through the reserve.
More information about Sweet Briar Marshes nature reserve
Please note this information is repeated across all maps so you may have already heard this description.
Transcript
Sweet Briar Marshes nature reserve sits by the River Wensum and forms a ribbon of green in an urban area. For a relatively small reserve, just 36 hectares (or approximately 50 football pitches) there is a marvellous mix of habitats. This includes wet meadows nearest to the river and dry grasslands on the higher land nearest to Marriott’s Way. There are also hedgerows and bushes, ditches and shallow pools, young woodland and ancient oaks.
Sweet Briar Marshes is wonderful for wildlife throughout the year. In winter, noisy flocks of small birds such as long-tailed tits search for seeds in the trees. Listen out in spring for the rambling notes of sedge warbler and loud repetitive call of song thrush. Come summer, the meadows brim with flowers, dragonflies and feeding butterflies such as red admiral, meadow brown and skippers.
Stretching for 1.1 km (approximately a 20-minute walk at a moderate pace), a wide paved path with tap rails runs the length of the nature reserve. There are mown grass paths leading off on either side.
A small herd of conservation cattle graze at Sweet Briar Marshes. It's important that dogs are always kept on a short lead to avoid disturbing the wildlife and grazing animals. An accessible toilet and a Changing Places facility are available at our new yard on Burnet Road industrial estate. This is located approximately 90 metres to the north of the reserve. It can be accessed via the sloped footpath from the reserve's Burnet Gate.