City nature lovers will soon have a new place to explore after hopes to open a new conservation area before the end of this year were announced.

Plans for Sweet Briar Marshes are coming together after Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT) spent £600,000 to secure the site last year.

A draft masterplan for the 90-acre site is to be unveiled later in the year after more than 1,000 people told NWT what they wanted to see in the new development.

As a result, the marshland next to Marriott's Way could see children's nature activities, pond dipping, den building, cycle stands, places to sit and twilight walks introduced.

Norwich Evening News: A teachers walk around the marshes led by warden Matt WickensA teachers walk around the marshes led by warden Matt Wickens (Image: Norfolk Wildlife Trust)

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If plans are approved, work to complete the vision for the reserve will continue over the next few years.

NWT's senior engagement officer, Gemma Walker, said: “This is the first time NWT has worked alongside the local community in this way to create a shared vision for one of our nature reserves – and we have been delighted by the response.

“NWT Sweet Briar Marshes is important for so many reasons.

Norwich Evening News: An engagement session for the marshes at the Phoenix CentreAn engagement session for the marshes at the Phoenix Centre (Image: Norfolk Wildlife Trust)

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"There is fantastic biodiversity, habitat and wildlife, which we will look after and improve, and it provides a natural oasis for the residents of Norwich, which we hope will inspire more people to act for nature.”

The site is home to many rare species of birds, amphibians, insects and flowers.

Norwich Evening News: A family workshop to gather ideas for the new reserveA family workshop to gather ideas for the new reserve (Image: Norfolk Wildlife Trust)

Landscape specialists SheilsFlynn will map out a long-term vision for the site made up from the feedback of those living nearby and draft plans will then be lodged with a series of public viewing events.

The land was bought in January 2022 by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, which agreed to hold the land for two years to give NWT time to raise funds, with Aviva match funding up to £300,000 to complete the public appeal in just four months.

Norwich Evening News: An aerial view of Sweet Briar Marshes An aerial view of Sweet Briar Marshes (Image: Norfolk Wildlife Trust)