NWT Pigneys Wood, photo by David North

NWT's newest nature reserve: Pigneys Wood


Thursday 26 October, 2017


Norfolk Wildlife Trust is delighted to announce that it has been entrusted with the ownership of Pigneys Wood, a local nature reserve in North East Norfolk that has been managed by North Norfolk Community Woodland Trust since 1993.

Chief Executive of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Brendan Joyce said, "NWT has a fantastic opportunity to manage and care for this wildlife-rich site that has real value to local people. We look forward to working with the community and our supporters to further enhance this special site for the benefit of everyone.”

The North Norfolk Community Woodland Trust (NNCWT) has been responsible for Pigney’s Wood for nearly a quarter of a century and has worked hard to successfully revert the site from arable land to woodland.

During NNCWT’s ownership, more than 20,000 trees of 40 different species were planted on the site to create an area of new woodland to complement the existing and well-established mature woodland areas on the site, creating a mosaic of diverse habitats for wildlife.

The reserve is located to the north-east of North Walsham, situated in the parish of Knapton. The site is 23.5 hectares in total, and includes 1.7 hectares of mature mixed woodland, 7.8 hectares of new woodland, 8.5 hectares of open ground and 5.5 hectares of low lying wet grassland. The site also boasts extensive reedbeds including a scrape which attracts migratory wading birds.

With its mosaic of habitats, it attracts many wildlife species; from roe deer to lapwing. In the 24 years of NNCWT’s management, over 25 butterfly species and 30 bird species have been recorded on the site including a rare record of a Camberwell beauty butterfly and a bittern. One of the site’s most impressive features is an ancient oak tree, the ‘Old Oak’ estimated to be 450 years old.

Two public footpaths run through the site, as well as the Paston Way, a long-distance footpath, which runs alongside a disused railway to the west of the site. There are three marked trails and picnic facilities providing people with the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful location with panoramic views of the Norfolk countryside.

Visiting: If arriving by car, leave the bypass going in the direction of the town centre at the Cromer Road A149 junction. Turn left at the next traffic lights then take first right, keep to the right and cross over to the car park.
Postcode: NR28 0SH
Grid Reference: TG 295 321
 

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