The little River Tas, a rare chalk stream, the jewel of Forncett, has created a wide and rolling valley, rich with wild life, wild flowers, majestic trees. We need nature. Nature needs us to take a stand. The pressure on these 'ordinary' places seems to be constant. Locally the Norwich to Tilbury pylon line, the solar 'farms', housing developments, river pollution, intensive agriculture - all threaten the environment so many of us love. Communities throughout the country face the same challenges. At last in government determined people are pushing for change. The Nature's Rights Bill - Natalie Bennett’s private members' bill to introduce Nature's Rights into UK law - was introduced to the House of Lords on 1st June (1). Recently history was made when the River Wye was granted a Charter of Rights, appointing an ecologist to speak on its behalf (2, 3). Penalties for rural crime, notably the scourge of hare coursing, have been strengthened from 1 June (4).
- Details
- Written by: Ally Rae
A creative workshop for children up to age 12. There is no entry fee, but donations will be gratefully received to cover our expenses. Snacks and drinks available. This will be the fourth of our popular school holiday events for youngsters. Activities will include art and craft, as well as music and story.
This year we have Taryn Everdeen and Nick Francis from the Steam Museum to lead the children in exciting musical activities to finish off what promises to be an immersive morning.
As usual all our helpers are experienced with young children and no child will be pressured to join in the communal activities. Parents will be responsible for their child's safety.
- Details
- Written by: FNM Steering Group.
Forncett Nature Matters opposes the development proposed by Tasway Energy Park. Whilst we support green energy, sustainability and the need to mitigate climate change, we do not recognise developments on this scale as green or sustainable. Current proposals cover 3,600 acres of good quality agricultural land with solar panels, battery storage systems and runs of cabling including under the very sensitive chalk stream – the River Tas. This development will butt up to a proposed 2,700 acre solar ‘farm’, East Pye, which, with other local proposals, accounts for 18,500 acres of industrialised development between Ashwellthorpe and Diss.
- Details
- Written by: FNM Steering Group.
An attentive audience of 60 enjoyed Sue Alderman's delightfully illustrated presentation of 'Hare's Tales'. You'll never mix up your hares and rabbits again! The brilliant pictures included unwilling females up on hind legs fending off overamorous males; a rare one of the eventual mating (which takes place in a milli-second); several of adorable leverets; and a mother, sitting up, alert for predators, and suckling her young.
Sue has been a devotee of these beautiful creatures from the age of five and, along with three other enthusiasts, she eventually founded The Hare Preservation Trust, a very active campaigning group currently engaged with government to establish a closed season for hare shooting: we're the only country that doesn't provide this level of protection for these magnificent Lagomorphs (along with rabbits, the hare is not a rodent!)
- Details
- Written by: FNM Steering Group
Natural Norfolk are very pleased to share with you with the news that Norfolks Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) has been finalised and published today, the 31st October 2025. The documentation, comprising the full strategy, alongside the Local Habitat Map is available at the following links:
Norfolk's Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) - Norfolk County Council
Norfolk and Suffolk Nature Recovery Partnership Publications
As you are aware, this is the cumulation of a number of years work from the Norfolk County Council team as Responsible Authority, working closely with Suffolk County Council and supported by the Norfolk and Suffolk Nature Recovery Partnership, alongside countless other stakeholders. We would like to thank everyone who has been involved, contributed and advised throughout this process.
The document and mapping tool can now be used and referenced as required, so please do share with your appropriate colleagues and contacts. In the next few weeks, there will be additional resources added to the websites, including the executive summaries and technical support document for the mapping, so please do look out for further updates.
Local Habitat Map. Screenshot. Natural Norfolk
We consider this significant milestone strengthens our position from which to lead, support and drive nature recovery action across the region.
As a brief overview, our role as Responsible Authorities for the next steps is starting to be defined and comprises of four main areas:
1) Lead and convene a delivery partnership
2) Embed LNRS into local decision making
3) Identify strategic projects and facilitate project development
4) Monitor and report on delivery of LNRS priorities
We look forward to working with you in the next stages and maintaining the momentum the development process has initiated, so please do look out for future communication from us.
Please feel free to contact the team on if you have any questions.
Apologies if you receive this communication more than once, we are, as we hope you understand, aiming to contact all of our stakeholders with this exciting news!
With kind regards
Jen Burlingham, Norfolk and Suffolk Nature Recovery Partnership Manager
and
The Norfolk LNRS Team
- Details
- Written by: Natural Norfolk