Ipswich Road ANCIENT HEDGE - 10 YEARS ON
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Many residents would agree that the most precious natural amenity within Eaton Rise is the hedge which runs along the main A140 Ipswich Road and the boundary of Eaton Rise. It starts at the Eaton Road corner and continues down to Danby Wood and Marston Marshes, both of which are local nature reserves, and it has been recognised by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust as being a vital wildlife corridor. It is a natural habitat for insects, birds, bats, small mammals and some reptiles, along with grey squirrel, hedgehog, fox and muntjac deer, which live or visit the hedge throughout the seasons. |
The hedge provides an attractive approach into the city and a 'gateway' into Eaton Rise, acting as an effective barrier for properties against noise and pollution from the busy road.
The overall length of the hedge from Eaton Road to the North and Marston Lane to the South is approximately 1,145m long with gaps allowed for footpaths and minor roads leading into Eaton Rise, part of the hedge going down to Marston Lane was designated a Roadside Nature Reserve several years ago due to the discovery of a rare fungi. |
The hedge from Welsford Road corner to Constable Road corner is approximately 580m long. It stands on County Council land and is maintained by Norwich City Council. Sadly due to disease, bad weather bringing sections down, and poor council funding over a number of years it fell into decline becoming sparse, with many gaps appearing and a general look of abandonment with litter and debris and mature oaks being clogged with ivy.
The above photos were taken in 2010 before Phase One was undertaken
By assessing the mature oak trees and referring to old maps it is possible to date the hedge to well over 200 years old. This would coincide with the period of Parliamentary Enclosures between 1750 and 1850.
In 2010 the Residents' Association felt passionately that if something were not done to save the hedge the residents, wildlife and environment could lose a potentially valuable asset to Norwich.
For this reason we launched our 'Hedge Fund' in May 2010 along with a four year conservation plan which was approved by City Council. Dividing the hedge into four manageable sections the aim was for a volunteer project encouraging community spirit and restoring biodiversity to the hedge. We began our appeal for donations which was supported by our residents, and fundraising events began.
Our overall plan was in all Phases to remove dead and dying plant life, clear Ivy from trees and ground. Prepare the ground for new native hedgerow plants including more fruit trees as food for wildlife.
In 2010 the Residents' Association felt passionately that if something were not done to save the hedge the residents, wildlife and environment could lose a potentially valuable asset to Norwich.
For this reason we launched our 'Hedge Fund' in May 2010 along with a four year conservation plan which was approved by City Council. Dividing the hedge into four manageable sections the aim was for a volunteer project encouraging community spirit and restoring biodiversity to the hedge. We began our appeal for donations which was supported by our residents, and fundraising events began.
Our overall plan was in all Phases to remove dead and dying plant life, clear Ivy from trees and ground. Prepare the ground for new native hedgerow plants including more fruit trees as food for wildlife.
WORK BEGINS ON PHASE 1 - SEPTEMBER 2010
Ipswich Road Ancient Hedge Conservation Scheme began in September 2010. A plan was laid out to cover four years. Phase one was identified by the enthusiasm of the residents who lived opposite. Those who donated were promised that their money would buy plants to go in the area directly opposite their property.
OUR VOLUNTEERS
In the beginning our volunteer group was very small with only eight participants
In the beginning our volunteer group was very small with only eight participants
A well deserved tea break for our original group of volunteers - 2010
However we did not realise the amount of passion there was to restore and conserve the existing hedge, at first we were looking at the hedge opposite properties who had donated, but to our amazement as we continued work more residents came on board and donations grew, so we were able to look at a larger section. By the end of Phase 1 we had twenty volunteers aged between four and seventy.
PHASE 1 - THE FIGURES
During Phase One - September 2010- March 2011 we cleared and prepared land for planting.
We raised £643 by donation and fund raising and received a grant of £400 from Norwich City Council a total of £1,043.
We were given 420 plants from The Woodland Trust and 420 from Britain in Bloom making a total of 1,403 native hedgerow plants planted.
Norwich City council provided a stretch of fencing to protect the new trees which extended from Lyhart Road to Broadhurst Road.
During Phase One - September 2010- March 2011 we cleared and prepared land for planting.
We raised £643 by donation and fund raising and received a grant of £400 from Norwich City Council a total of £1,043.
We were given 420 plants from The Woodland Trust and 420 from Britain in Bloom making a total of 1,403 native hedgerow plants planted.
Norwich City council provided a stretch of fencing to protect the new trees which extended from Lyhart Road to Broadhurst Road.
Fencing ready to be added to the hedge line
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Our volunteers received recognition from both Anglia in Bloom as well as Britain in Bloom for their efforts. Plus the RHS published an article about our achievements in their Growing Communities magazine. To mark completion of Phase 1 in March 2011 we held a celebration tree planting ceremony when the Right Worshipful Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Tom Dylan came and planted a tree in the company of residents, volunteers and council officials. Right: Kathleen Rowlands and Richard Waterfield from ERRA with Mayor Cllr Tom Dylan |
NEW OAKS
Finally City Council provided 8 mature oak trees to replace those lost over the years.
Finally City Council provided 8 mature oak trees to replace those lost over the years.
After such a successful first phase our team of volunteers had grown to around twenty. Friendships were forged and a strong team spirit encouraged us to press on. Enthusiasm was high and Phase two began in September 2011.
WORK BEGINS ON PHASE TWO - SEPT 2011
We set to work in September 2011 on the hard ground work in preparation for planting.
We set to work in September 2011 on the hard ground work in preparation for planting.
PREPARING THE GROUND
Having the continued support and guidance from Norwich City Council and Norfolk County Council, we were now allowed to work as an independent body reporting back with plans and progress, such was the confidence they had in us.Clearance and heavy cutting back had to be done first. |
Using loppers and saws the team cut back existing hedging to encourage new growth - Always with a smile
MORE OAKS
We realised that the balance of the hedge was affected in this stretch by the loss of some of the existing oak trees. An appeal was made in the newsletter for sponsors for a couple of 9ft Oak trees at £72 each. The United Reformed Church agreed to buy one and a couple who had lived on the estate for many years also offered. These were both planted in March 2012. |
IVY
Once again Ivy was an issue with it choking the existing hedge and growing up through the trees. We tackled the removal of the ivy from the oak trees by cutting a band of the ivy out thereby all the ivy above the band would die back. |
PLANTING
Planting began at the beginning of March when we planted hundreds of native hedgerow plants, more were planted in October making a total of 1,190. All came with their own canes and protectors.
Planting began at the beginning of March when we planted hundreds of native hedgerow plants, more were planted in October making a total of 1,190. All came with their own canes and protectors.
With Phase 2 we had to put up reclaimed fencing as City Council no longer had funding for new fencing. This we managed to salvage from other areas of the hedge and bought new posts to finish the job.
One of our chief aims was to encourage more wildlife to the hedge, especially birds. The planting of fruit bearing trees was important for this. Trees such as Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Holly, Wild Cherry and Elderberry were just some of the species.
One of our chief aims was to encourage more wildlife to the hedge, especially birds. The planting of fruit bearing trees was important for this. Trees such as Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Holly, Wild Cherry and Elderberry were just some of the species.
BIRD BOXES
BULB PLANTING
In the autumn of 2011 Norwich in Bloom contributed 8,000 Crocus and 1,00 native Bluebell bulbs to the project. These were all planted along the verge by volunteers
In the autumn of 2011 Norwich in Bloom contributed 8,000 Crocus and 1,00 native Bluebell bulbs to the project. These were all planted along the verge by volunteers
Bulb planting Always a popular job Especially with the youngsters
PHASE 2 - THE FIGURES
Phase Two - September 2011 - March 2012
Plants provided by Hedge Fund = 770
Plants provided by Woodland Trust = 420
Total plants = 1,190
Cost to Hedge Fund = £1,240 of which we paid £309.32
Grant Aid from Norfolk County Council of 75% = £930. 68
Norwich in Bloom contributed 8,000 Crocus and 1,000 Bluebell bulbs.
After another successful season we are halfway there and looking forward to Phase Three.
Phase Two - September 2011 - March 2012
Plants provided by Hedge Fund = 770
Plants provided by Woodland Trust = 420
Total plants = 1,190
Cost to Hedge Fund = £1,240 of which we paid £309.32
Grant Aid from Norfolk County Council of 75% = £930. 68
Norwich in Bloom contributed 8,000 Crocus and 1,000 Bluebell bulbs.
After another successful season we are halfway there and looking forward to Phase Three.
WORK BEGINS ON PHASE 3 - SEPTEMBER 2012
In September 2012 enthusiasm was high and preparation work commenced on Phase 3 with all our happy volunteers coming out and joining forces to make up a 20+ strong team. The community spirit was growing and friendships had been forged.
Phase 3 was the most challenging to date. The designated area was in need of 104ft of chestnut fencing and posts costing just over £1,000 which we just could not afford from the Hedge Fund. City Council also had no funds available for fencing. Once again we turned to our residents for help. After putting an article in the Newsletter we were amazed to receive a £1,000 donation from a very generous resident suddenly the improbable became possible.
The area we were concentrating on for planting was near Welsford Road end opposite the garage. There had been concern in the past about a ‘cut through’ which had developed by residents crossing through the hedge to the garage.
Phase 3 was the most challenging to date. The designated area was in need of 104ft of chestnut fencing and posts costing just over £1,000 which we just could not afford from the Hedge Fund. City Council also had no funds available for fencing. Once again we turned to our residents for help. After putting an article in the Newsletter we were amazed to receive a £1,000 donation from a very generous resident suddenly the improbable became possible.
The area we were concentrating on for planting was near Welsford Road end opposite the garage. There had been concern in the past about a ‘cut through’ which had developed by residents crossing through the hedge to the garage.
Opposite the Shell garage before work starts
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The exposed bus shelter
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We decided to tackle this by blocking it off with double fencing and heavy planting. Another problem area was adjacent to the bus stop with little screening for residents living opposite.
During the harsh winter months of 2012 / 2013 work continued on clearance and by November we were ready to plant 420 Woodland Trust plants along with 8,000 Crocus and 1,000 bluebell bulbs donated by our keen supporters Norwich in Bloom. This took place on a very cold and wet morning with all our volunteers feeling the chill but making a great success by completing the job within 1hr 45mins!
Heavy snow came to us shortly after Christmas but that did not deter our volunteers from braving the cold in January when the first sign of a thaw came.
During the harsh winter months of 2012 / 2013 work continued on clearance and by November we were ready to plant 420 Woodland Trust plants along with 8,000 Crocus and 1,000 bluebell bulbs donated by our keen supporters Norwich in Bloom. This took place on a very cold and wet morning with all our volunteers feeling the chill but making a great success by completing the job within 1hr 45mins!
Heavy snow came to us shortly after Christmas but that did not deter our volunteers from braving the cold in January when the first sign of a thaw came.
Planting begins. Finishing off with plant protectors Mulching was fun! The finished result
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
At the end of Phase 3 we were amazed to discover that due to all our efforts we had managed to obtain a Roadside Nature Reserve status for the hedge. All our volunteers were delighted and very proud
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We also gained a prestigious Certificate of Distinction Award by Britain in Bloom at their Annual Awards Ceremony in Grimsby. The RHS invited Kathleen to go along and collect the certificate from Bob Flowerdew on behalf of Eaton Rise Residents Association.
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Once again we were fortunate to receive a 75% Community Grant from Norfolk County Council.
PHASE 3 - THE FIGURES
Phase 3 - September 2012 - March 2013
Plants provided by Hedge Fund = 1,217
Plants provided by Woodland Trust = 840
Total plants = 2,057
Cost to the Hedge Fund = *£3,607 of which we paid £902
Grant Aid from Norfolk County Council of 75% = £2,705
Norwich in Bloom contributed 8,000 Crocus and 1,000 Bluebell bulbs.
*The overall cost includes a spend of £1,181 for fencing and £360 for installation by The Conservation Volunteers.
Phase 3 - September 2012 - March 2013
Plants provided by Hedge Fund = 1,217
Plants provided by Woodland Trust = 840
Total plants = 2,057
Cost to the Hedge Fund = *£3,607 of which we paid £902
Grant Aid from Norfolk County Council of 75% = £2,705
Norwich in Bloom contributed 8,000 Crocus and 1,000 Bluebell bulbs.
*The overall cost includes a spend of £1,181 for fencing and £360 for installation by The Conservation Volunteers.
WORK BEGINS ON PHASE 4 - SEPTEMBER 2013
We continued our clearance and planting of this final phase. Our volunteer numbers climbed to 30 and we had within the region of 16 - 20 volunteers on any given work morning.
Heavy clearance was carried out in this section due to the number of dead trees and plants. This looks harsh but it does encourage new growth. |
Hard cutting back and clearance opens the area to allow more light for our new plants
It looks drastic, but............ this is how it looks today!
Work was completed in March 2014. We received a Grant of £500 from Norfolk County Council. Norwich in Bloom provided 1,000 Bluebell bulbs
PHASE 4 - THE FIGURES
Phase Two September 2013 - March 2014
Plants provided by Hedge Fund = 1,619
Plants provided by Woodland Trust = 840
Total Plants = 2,459
Cost to Hedge Fund = £2,443 of which we paid £1,943
Grant Aid from Norfolk County Council = £500
Norwich in Bloom contributed 1,000 Bluebell bulbs
Phase Two September 2013 - March 2014
Plants provided by Hedge Fund = 1,619
Plants provided by Woodland Trust = 840
Total Plants = 2,459
Cost to Hedge Fund = £2,443 of which we paid £1,943
Grant Aid from Norfolk County Council = £500
Norwich in Bloom contributed 1,000 Bluebell bulbs
CROCUS PLANTING - PURPLE 4 POLIO 2017
In November 2017, residents of Eaton Rise, together with members of the Rotary Club of Norwich, planted 2,000 purple crocus bulbs next to the hedge on the corner of Welsford Road/Lyhart Road and Ipswich Road/Broadhurst Road. Money raised from the purchase of the bulbs by the Rotary Club went towards the Purple4Polio scheme which is working towards eradicating polio worldwide.
THE IPSWICH ROAD ANCIENT HEDGE - THEN AND NOW
Before 2010 After 2020
Before 2010 After 2020
Before 2010 After 2020
Before 2010 After 2020
Before 2010 After 2020
THE PLANTS
We now have a species rich hedge offering wildlife a vital habit and food. Our native plant list was as follows; Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Damson, Plum, Native Dog Rose, Field Maple, Guilder Rose, Hornbeam, Holly, Yew, Crab Apple, Wild Privet, Common Gorse, Wild Cherry, Elderberry and Oak.
We now have a species rich hedge offering wildlife a vital habit and food. Our native plant list was as follows; Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Damson, Plum, Native Dog Rose, Field Maple, Guilder Rose, Hornbeam, Holly, Yew, Crab Apple, Wild Privet, Common Gorse, Wild Cherry, Elderberry and Oak.
FINALLY....
This project has proven to be demanding of time, energy and finance. It’s success is down to our brilliant volunteers who have worked tirelessly in all weathers over a period of 4 years and now act as caretakers maintaining the hedge and fencing plus carrying out regular litter picks. Not forgetting our incredible residents who have continuously encouraged us with their generosity to the Hedge Fund. The conservation of this beautiful old hedge has shown that community groups can make a difference. We have also been blessed having good relations with officers from both City and County Councils who have offered support and guidance throughout. Norwich in Bloom have supported us since the beginning providing us with thousands of Snowdrop, Crocus and Bluebell bulbs.
It is with sincere thanks to our hard working group of volunteers and all those residents who had faith in this scheme, because of you we have achieved something which will be a legacy to our community, future residents, wildlife, the environment and Norwich.
Kathleen Rowlands - April 2021
This project has proven to be demanding of time, energy and finance. It’s success is down to our brilliant volunteers who have worked tirelessly in all weathers over a period of 4 years and now act as caretakers maintaining the hedge and fencing plus carrying out regular litter picks. Not forgetting our incredible residents who have continuously encouraged us with their generosity to the Hedge Fund. The conservation of this beautiful old hedge has shown that community groups can make a difference. We have also been blessed having good relations with officers from both City and County Councils who have offered support and guidance throughout. Norwich in Bloom have supported us since the beginning providing us with thousands of Snowdrop, Crocus and Bluebell bulbs.
It is with sincere thanks to our hard working group of volunteers and all those residents who had faith in this scheme, because of you we have achieved something which will be a legacy to our community, future residents, wildlife, the environment and Norwich.
Kathleen Rowlands - April 2021