Expression of Interest

Applicants must initially submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to provide an overview of the project proposal.

This is an extract from our EOI which was prepared and agreed by local people and representatives from environmental bodies.

The applicant group

The project will be delivered through a partnership of The Conservation Volunteers with members the local community and recognised environmental groups. There have been discussions with representatives from: Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, University of East Anglia, Waveney Volunteers for Nature, Waveney Bird Club, and the School Academy.  It has the support of Adrian Ramsey the MP for Waveney Valley with a written endorsement.

Does the applicant own the land where the project will be sited or is permission from the landowner required?

The land is a 2.8 acres field off Rushall Road in Harleston owned by South Norfolk Council. We will require a management agreement and may require a change of use within an agricultural setting.

Will the project take place on publicly accessible land?

Yes.

Will the land remain publicly accessible after the project is completed? If so, for how long, and how will access be ensured?

The land will remain publicly accessible throughout with access from a public highway to the north and public footpath to the south.

Project type.

☒ Mini forest

☒ Pond

☒ Circular path

Key objectives met.

☒ Carbon sequestration

☒ Biodiversity benefit

☒ Public access to greenspace

Please provide a brief overview of your project.

The project will be delivered by the local community together with representatives from environmental groups who will provide expert advice.

All three of the key objectives will be satisfied. Carbon sequestration through planting mini forests, biodiversity benefit through restoration of a pond, planting wildflowers, and providing nest boxes, with public access around a circular walk.

Preliminary discussions are underway, and the project could begin on award of the grant.  The overall project will take two years, with staged deliverables from March 2026.

There are various aspects to the project each with different delivery timeframes:

• Comparative planting of trees in a Miyawaki forest and natural generated mini forest containing native species. This follows a Norfolk County Council scheme of 2023.

• Restore a derelict pond.

• Plant an area with wildflowers seeds.

• Manage suitable areas will as rough meadow, only cut every two years to encourage natural regeneration.

• Install nest boxes, and build dead hedging and other structures for birds and insects.

• Create a circular walk together with associated seating and information boards.

• Deliver school and community nature educational sessions.

• The greenspace will be monitored for species biodiversity improvement.

The project will establish a group for ongoing support and maintenance to leave a legacy for nature conservation greenspace in Harleston.