Who we are

A group of people who care deeply about the natural world and the challenges it faces.  Connecting with other villagers we aim to enhance biodiversity and link habitats in the Forncetts.  We also connect and collaborate with other similar groups and organisations beyond our village boundaries.

Our vision is to:

• • Identify local spaces suitable for the creation, restoration, and preservation of wildlife habitats 
  • Encourage our community of villagers, farmers and landowners to manage and develop their green spaces with wildlife diversity in mind
  • Link these vital habitats through networks of 'stepping stones' and 'wildlife corridors'
  • Share knowledge and ideas both within the community and collaborating more widely with like-minded groups
  • Advocate for local environmental or sustainable causes
   

  We will achieve our vision by:

  Our objectives

  • Developing an interactive map of habitats; regularly reviewing and targeting gaps
  • Planning and running an annual calendar of community events and activities to share knowledge and raise awareness
  • Offering advice, guidance and support to the community in the form of newsletters, website, articles and other communications as well as individual and targeted support
  • Surveying local species in order to protect and restore habitats

Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT) have provided help and encouragement and remain strong supporters, sharing theiir expert advice. We also have some very knowledgeable people in the village and benefit from their expertise.

 We aim to put nature lovers, wildlife-friendly gardeners / farmers in touch with one another, to form a collaborative network which we hope will be reflected in improved connectivity creating ‘green corridors’ of wildlife habitats wherever possible. There are already many villagers who garden with wildlife in mind; whatever the size of garden anyone can do their bit to protect our natural heritage; if you’re not sure how to make a start you’ll get plenty of support. By adding together our individual contributions we can make big changes!

 

Meet the Current Steering Group

   

 

 

 

 

 

Billy Hosea: I live in Forncett St Mary. I like gardening with patches left to grow wild. Hawk moths come to feed on the bindweed flowers and peacock butterflies lay their eggs on the nettles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jo Marsden: I moved to Hapton in 2020, where I’m trying to establish a variety of garden habitats to encourage wildlife, starting with ponds, dead hedges and wilder areas.  I’m now focusing on planting native species wherever possible. Joining Forncett Nature Matters has put me in touch with people who have the same goals and interests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ally Rae: After living in Forncett End since 2006, I moved to Ashwellthorpe in 2016. My partner and I created a wildlife-friendly plot on the Forncett boundary about 14 years ago and look foward to linking it to other habitats.  I want other creatures and plants to share the space we humans use and knowing that together we can make a difference is inspiring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carol Sharp: I have lived in Forncett End for 26 years and have created woodland and wildflower meadows as well as a large pond. I hope to share my experience, inspire and learn more from others in the community to create resilient ecosystems our villages.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Christina Wakeford: I’ve been interested in the natural world since childhood and I now love to garden with wildlife in mind, trying to do my bit for biodiversity. Living in Forncett since 1982, I’ve planted trees and hedges, a wildflower meadow and made habitats of ‘dead hedges’ and a small pond. I’m looking forward to meeting like minded people through FNM.

 

Leslie Whyte-Venables: Leslie has recently stood down from the Steering Group for personal reasons. Thanks for your hard work Leslie. I've lived in the area for over 25 years and am trying to encourage wildlife by planting hedging and trees, digging a pond and planting for pollinators. I have always been interested in wildlife but being part of Forncett Nature Matters has helped me take a more proactive approach - for example more timely management of my horse's grazing has allowed native species such as primroses, oxlips and orchids to flourish.

 

 

 

Details

Written by: The Steering Group

Published: 13 February 2022