Children, families, couples and dog walkers blew away the festive cobwebs and welcomed 2022 at a popular city nature spot.

Norwich Evening News: Joan Spencer out for a walk with Penny, 12, enjoying the New Year bank holiday at Mousehold Heath. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYJoan Spencer out for a walk with Penny, 12, enjoying the New Year bank holiday at Mousehold Heath. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2022)

On a blustery and crisp Bank Holiday Monday Mousehold Heath, between Sprowston and Norwich, was the perfect place for people to walk off the excesses of Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Norwich Evening News: Sisters Emilia, six, and Eryn Miller, four, enjoying the New Year bank holiday climbing trees at Mousehold Heath. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYSisters Emilia, six, and Eryn Miller, four, enjoying the New Year bank holiday climbing trees at Mousehold Heath. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2022)

From children hiding in and climbing up historic trees to offering wide open spaces for dogs to roam, the large wild space drew in people young and old across the city.

Norwich Evening News: Tina Pinnell takes two-year-old Russell for a walk in the sunshine at Mousehold Heath. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYTina Pinnell takes two-year-old Russell for a walk in the sunshine at Mousehold Heath. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2022)

The 184-acre spot, made up of heathland, woodland and recreational open space is the largest of the nature reserves managed by Norwich City Council.

Norwich Evening News: Teresa Malagon and Dan, enjoying the New Year bank holiday at Mousehold Heath as they walk 10-year-old Pandora. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYTeresa Malagon and Dan, enjoying the New Year bank holiday at Mousehold Heath as they walk 10-year-old Pandora. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2022)

Offering magnificent views of the city centre it was once an area of heathland that extended to the north and east of Norwich, which has since been largely converted to woods and farmland, or lost to housing development.

Norwich Evening News: Two-year-old Bobby Johnson-Lane playing hide and seek at Mousehold Heath. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYTwo-year-old Bobby Johnson-Lane playing hide and seek at Mousehold Heath. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2022)

The old name for the area, Mushold, is interpreted as meaning mouse wood.