Additional funding means that Wymondham’s Lizard Charity has begun to realise its plans to open up land they manage, known as The Oxford, so more people can enjoy the countryside that exists on their doorstep.

Not sure where The Oxford is? Its 32 acres lay to the east of the Lizard Pastures from which it is now separated by the A11. It is bounded by the Silfield Nature Reserve to the west, the disused Wymondham to Forncett railway line to the north, open fields to the east and Right Up Lane to the south. It forms part of the approximately 45 acres of open land the Lizard Charity manages as ‘a piece of informal, natural countryside for the general benefit and enjoyment of the people of Wymondham’.

Plans have been in place for a while now to further open up The Oxford for the benefit of residents and visitors. Conservation work has finally started thanks to funding from South Norfolk Council via the Greater Norwich Growth Board through the Infrastructure Investment Fund.

Lizard Charity Trustee Ann Roberts, who has been working closely with the various agencies involved, says “In addition to the work on the Oxford we are excited that work is also being carried out on the Silfield Nature Reserve, which is owned by National Highways. The work on both sites means there will be heavy equipment at times clearing ground and several new bridges and culverts will be going in from now until the end of the year. The Lizard Charity is working closely with the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, South Norfolk Council and National Highways to complete this work.”

There are regular Lizard workdays, run with help from the Norwich Fringe Project and Greening Wymondham, where volunteers learn to hedge-lay, undertake planting and more. New volunteers are very welcome. The next session is Tuesday 15th November; meet at 9.30 by the black gate at the end of The Lizard. Trustee Jeannie Harris says “Work continues until 2.30-3.00 pm but you do not have to stay for all of it! Wear warm clothes, waterproofs and gloves. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided but bring your own lunch.”

You can find out more about the Lizard and the Oxford on the website www.thelizardwymondham.co.uk or email TheClerk@TheLizardWymondham.co.uk