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.
How can I help?
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?
Now we have met our appeal target and secured the land, we will begin a ‘Discovery phase’ which will include planning public access to Sweet Briar Marshes in consultation with the local community. This will allow us time to consider the best access routes that protect the tranquillity of the site for wildlife whilst still providing people with a vital connection to nature. We anticipate that this Discovery phase will run during 2023. In the meantime you can view the site from Marriott’s Way.
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.