Two new land purchases see us expanding Foxley Wood, which is home to Norfolk’s largest ancient woodland, by an amazing 100 acres – increasing its size by over a third.  

In addition to creating vital new wildlife habitat for some of Norfolk’s rare plants and animals, this significant land acquisition will allow us to expand public access to the popular site. 

The new land purchases have been made possible thanks to several generous donors, including two significant legacies left to us by Graham Churchyard and Adrian Gunson. 

Recorded in the Domesday book, Foxley Wood is Norfolk’s largest ancient woodland, with parts of it known to be over 6,000 years old. The site is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in recognition of its value for wildlife, and well-known for its beautiful spring bluebells. The woodland is also home to hundreds of flowering plant species and birds, including the rapidly declining spotted flycatcher, and recently saw the rare purple emperor butterfly return to Norfolk after disappearing from the county in the 1970s. 

Steve Collin, our Area Manager, said: ‘We’re immensely excited about creating more space for wildlife at Foxley Wood. As Norfolk’s largest ancient woodland, it is a vital refuge for some of the county’s rare plants and animals. 

‘As well as assisting with the natural regeneration of new woodland, to ensure our new land supports as much wildlife as possible, we’ll create a mosaic of habitats including scrub, grassland, woodland rides and ponds.  

‘As the new woodland evolves, it will fill up with nectar-rich plants and young scrubland trees which are ideal for pollinating species and provide important nesting and feeding grounds for birds and bats. The maturing woodland will, in time, support the woodland specialist wildlife that Foxley is known for – including bluebells, butterflies such as purple emperor and silver washed fritillary and birds including tree creepers and nuthatches - allowing them to spread out from the ancient woodland. 

‘The new land links Foxley Wood to the Marriot’s Way, making it the perfect spot to offer new public access to the site. By connecting the nature reserve to Sweet Briar Marshes in Norwich, we will create new and eco-friendly ways for people to enjoy some of Norfolk’s most special wild places.’ 

Tricia Gunson, Adrian Gunson’s widow and NWT Wildlife Guardian, said: ‘My husband Adrian and I have always loved Norfolk, and its rich and varied wildlife, so I was very happy to release Adrian's legacy to help with this purchase.’ 

The expansion of the woodland has also enabled us to access funds from Natural England’s Nutrient Mitigation Scheme, which will contribute towards the charity creating and restoring wildlife habitat at Foxley Wood and across Norfolk.