Who we are

We are a voluntary group of people who care deeply about the natural world and the challenges it faces.  Connecting with others in the Forncett villages, we aim to enhance biodiversity and link habitats.

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 their 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.  Nature is such a crucial aspect of all our lives 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 in 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: 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.