Please read and consider lodging your objection to the planning application using this link: PLANNING OBJECTION. Time is running short! 

In an inspiring victory for environmental conservation, North Wood has been officially recognised as ancient woodland by Natural England. This small but ecologically significant area, situated along the proposed route for the controversial Norwich Western Link, has now been added to Natural England’s ancient woodland inventory. This development is not just a win for North Wood; it's a substantial boost for the Stop Wensum Link campaign and its mission to protect the Wensum Valley from irreversible damage.

What Makes Ancient Woodlands Special?

Ancient woodlands are areas that have been continuously wooded since the 1500s, making them irreplaceable reservoirs of biodiversity. They are recognized for their ecological, cultural, and historical value, containing unique plant species and historical features that have persisted for centuries. Natural England’s ancient woodland inventory serves as the official record of these precious habitats, and planning authorities must consider this inventory to avoid developments that could harm these sites.

The Discovery of North Wood’s Ancient Status

The journey to North Wood’s designation as ancient woodland was led by local ecologist and ancient woodland enthusiast John Allaway. Through rigorous surveys, extensive research at the Norfolk Records Office, and consultations with Dr. Sarah Spooner, a professor of landscape history at the University of East Anglia, John pieced together the historical and ecological evidence needed for this recognition.

“Identifying ancient woodland is a complex task, and only possible by building up layers of evidence throughout history,” John explains. “However, if you know what you are looking at, North Wood stands out a mile. During a visit in spring 2022, I found the woodland filled with old native trees and carpeted with bluebells and other plants that are characteristic of ancient woodland. After consulting a wide variety of historic documents, it was clear that every map showed the wood exactly as it is now, same size, same name. I’m delighted that my efforts have resulted in this special place being formally recognized as ancient woodland.”

The Ecological Significance of North Wood

North Wood, covering 2,500 square metres and bordering the existing ancient woodland of Primrose Grove, hosts several plant species known as ‘ancient woodland indicators,’ such as bluebell, primrose, dog’s mercury, and wood anemone. These species, along with characteristic earthworks, underscore the woodland's ancient origins. It is believed that North Wood was once part of the larger Primrose Grove, now a surviving fragment.

Implications for the Norwich Western Link

The recognition of North Wood as ancient woodland poses a significant challenge to the proposed Norwich Western Link road, which threatens to cut through this ecologically sensitive area. As Helen Baczkowska, Nature Recovery Manager, points out, “We’re delighted that Natural England has designated North Wood as ancient woodland and are very grateful to John for his work. We’ve long known that the mix of ancient woodland, riverside marshes, hedges, and veteran trees found within the Wensum Valley is vital for wildlife. We’ve also been warning for a long time that the Norwich Western Link will do irreparable damage to this special landscape and the wildlife that calls it home. This new entry on Natural England’s ancient woodland directory is yet another addition to an already compelling argument against the Norwich Western Link road.”

Join the Fight to Protect North Wood

The Stop Wensum Link campaign is part of a growing coalition of regional and national environmental organizations, including CPRE Norfolk, Friends of the Earth, the Woodland Trust, Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society, Buglife, Norfolk and Norwich Bat Group, and the British Dragonfly Society. These groups are united in their opposition to the Norwich Western Link due to the unacceptable impact it would have on wildlife and the natural landscape.

The Norwich Western Link planning application was submitted in June this year, and the public consultation runs until 19th August. The coalition has launched an e-action to help the public object to the proposed road scheme during the consultation period. More information and how to participate in the e-action can be found : HERE

Your voice is crucial in this fight. Stand with us to protect North Wood and the Wensum Valley from irreversible harm. Together, we can ensure that these ancient and irreplaceable woodlands continue to thrive for generations to come.