Thank you to everyone who filled in our project feedback form, the consultation period is now closed. We had a good response with over 93% support for the idea, but we also had some genuine concerns, we will adapt the project to take these into account. This page will be updated with progress.
Latest Project Proposal
To apply for a grant to build a bird hide on the footpath opposite the fishing lake which is near The Maltings, and to plant extra trees to encourage more birds. To buy a brushcutter to cut the Nar Valley Way as its usually overgrown in summer, so we would keep this cut. We would encourage people to take nature walks on the Nar Valley Way to the bone mill where there would be tea & coffee making facilities when the mill is open on certain days. There is a toilet at the bone mill.
We carried out a bird survey and found there is a large and unusual variety of birds around the lake, there is a wetland area behind the lake and two branches of the river meet nearby with lots of trees. The main attraction will be the water birds, birds of prey and garden birds which are all seen regularly in the area. See the article listing birds seen with map and pictures of the lake area.
The hide would be open all the time and would have bird identification charts and a chalk board for recording sightings. We would have bird feeders and insect habitats near the lake to encourage more birds. There would be signs at the mill showing wildlife that can be seen on the walk and more information explaining the bone mill. The walk would be dog friendly with drinking bowls and dog waste bin.
Access to the walks and hide would be from River Close in Narborough village which leads to the Nar Valley Way footpath. The hide would be about 250m from River Close, the bone mill is about a mile downstream on the opposite side of the river and can be seen from the footpath. When the bone mill is open visitors could cross the footbridge to look around and use the facilities.
Various length walks include returning to River Close back along along the Nar Valley Way, or continuing on the footpath past the mill to the pumping station bridge where Tulips have been seen in the fields in April for the last two years. Continue along the Nar Valley Way to Kings Lynn, or turn right across the bridge to Pentney, or left for a circular walk coming out by Narborough Church. Marham Fen is just off the circular walk. All walks include seeing the wildflower meadow at the bone mill which flowers late May to August. When the mill is open visitors could walk through the meadow.
Bird Survey/Pictures Map Nar Valley Way Wildflower Meadow The Maltings
