North Norfolk: wilder, wetter, better for nature

Summary

An ambitious nature partnership to create and restore 5,000 hectares of new wildlife habitat and enhance five chalk rivers.

Project description

This transformational landscape-scale project, in collaboration with 67 farmers and land managers, aims to create 5,000 hectares of new wildlife habitat between Hunstanton and Weybourne, while enhancing five chalk rivers and their riparian corridors: the Hun, Burn, Stiffkey, Glaven and Weybourne Beck.

By implementing strategic land-use changes and management actions, gaps in current habitats will be filled to establish 20,000 hectares of interconnected habitat. Taking a “source to sea” approach, the project will reconnect the North Norfolk coastline with its riverine headwaters, restoring this dynamic and important environment.

The improved habitats and enhanced connectivity are expected to benefit five endangered species: the natterjack toad, spoonbill, grayling butterfly, turtle dove, and barbastelle bat. Other species that are likely to benefit include water vole, otter, white-clayed crayfish, fish and various aquatic invertebrates.

Project actions and goals

Short-term

• Complete ecological baseline surveys for 5,000ha of land and protected species surveys for water vole, white clawed crayfish and fish.
• Work with farmers and land managers to create land management plans that outline the habitat creation / restoration proposals for their field parcels.
• Develop a bespoke business plan for the project with blended finance consultants.

Long-term: 

• If approved by Defra, the project will enter a 20-year agreement to implement the plans, supported by a blended-finance model combining public, private and charitable funding.

Partners and funders

This is a partnership project between Norfolk Rivers Trust, Norfolk Coast Partnership (hosted by Norfolk County Council) and Holkham Estate. 

Funded by Defra, the project is a pilot for the government’s ‘Landscape Recovery’ scheme, funded by Defra during the current Project Development Phase (until June 2025).

We are also working with Natural England and the Environment Agency, as well as local wildlife groups and organisations.