The continuing big news is the wonderful work going on to transform Rothbury Park. Greening Wymondham committee member Ann Rostron has been key to its plans, so here she is:
“The work, costing upwards of £250,000, is a partnership between us and the Town Council, funded largely by the District and County Councils through community infrastructure monies, with input from WTC.
“It was our vision back in 2021, assisted by grants from Rotary and Waitrose, to engage Norwich City Council architects to design the scheme. We consulted the local community and incorporated their ideas. It took three years to raise the funding – not for the faint-hearted!
“Phase Two involves planting and soft landscaping, which will transform the park into a peaceful and biodiverse green space. It’ll be carried out by local volunteers in the autumn and spring.
“About fifteen volunteers came forward at our recent public exhibition in Rothbury Hall and signed up to become the new Friends of Rothbury Park. They’ll be carrying out the planting led by a specialist community leader. The long-term aim is that the Friends will continue to help the town council maintain the landscape, ensuring that we’ll all be able to enjoy it for years to come.
“It should also help breathe new life into the community hall, which could be modified to allow direct access to the play area and park, making it a superb place for families, playgroups and celebrations. Councillor Paul Barratt is one of the Trustees, and if you’d like to be involved, please contact him at the Hall.”
There’s news too, on the river. This month should see us Balsam bashing: getting rid of the invasive Himalayan Balsam which, while pretty, outcompetes native foliage and in winter leaves banks barren. If you’d like to help (in the river or on the bank), please email us at greening.wymondham@gmail.com. It’s unpredictable because the Balsam effectively decides when it’s ready for bashing, so dates will be announced via social media or our email. Sign up for it here.
Meanwhile, the Orchard’s new water system is nearly there. Please come and have a look as you go down Browick Road (parking off Ayton Road in the lorry park by K&J’s Diner). The double shifts at Friarscroft also mean new paths and new areas on the public side of the wood. Norfolk Rivers Trust are training us to use the new testing kit on the Tiffey … summer has never been so busy!
