20 Acre Wood

This project provided enhancements to an existing woodland path through 20 Acre Wood in West Earlham (Norwich), extending from Enfield Road to Earlham Green Lane. The improvements included:

• Installation of a raised hard surface path to accommodate cyclists, pedestrians, mobility scooters, and pushchairs while avoiding damage to tree roots.
• Placement of way-markers at both ends of the path.

The GNGB fully funded this project for a total of £38k, because it offered the opportunity to provide a significant improvement to green spaces in an area of high deprivation. The site had also been impacted by higher use from local housing growth, which made it a strong candidate for investment from the GNGB.

This is an important project because the path serves as a crucial route for the local community, connecting Earlham Green Lane and Larkman Estate to the heart of West Earlham. Residents rely on this path to access essential amenities such as shops, schools, and health centres. The path resurfacing not only improves accessibility for all users, but it also helps to protect natural habitats, flora, and fauna, as users will use the path rather than walking on natural areas. It also means the route can be used throughout the year, even in the wetter months.

A key element of this project was community engagement. Managed by the Norwich Fringe Project, the scheme involved collaboration with the Friends of West Earlham Woods and local Infant and Primary Schools, fostering a sense of community ownership of the woodland.