Encouraging nature along the River Tas in Forncett

A mud-brown, snaking channel leads to a much larger and deeper scrape in the low-lying land in a green field beside the River Tas. This is the start of habitat enhancing work being carried out by Forncett Nature Matters supporters Justin, Steve and Mark. Members of the FNM Steering Group were delighted with an invitation to visit in November. Justin, Steve and Mark purchased 3.2 acres of land in Forncett about a year ago and are really interested in developing its wildlife potential. The land lies to the right of the River Tas on the downstream side just beyond the hump-back bridge on Long Stratton Road – you may have noticed a digger in action. The new owners have been busy working with the Environment Agency and other bodies, as well as making contact with neighbouring landowners, to take their plans forward.

The large scrape, partially following a previous course of the Tas, aims to provide additional flood capacity in the water meadow. This will both alleviate flooding downstream and, it is hoped, hold water for part of the season, creating wetland habitat for wading birds and other wildlife. Justin and Steve will be eagerly awaiting the first snipe.

There are now several owners of small acreages alongside the Tas with a keen interest in nature – wonderful news in creating the connected habitats animals, insects and plants need. Owners of larger acreages, especially along the Tas Valley Way, have also maintained rich areas of rough pasture and hedgerows, including a Site of Special Scientific Interest, making the Tas Valley one of our best Green Corridors or B(iodiversity) Lines.

Following our invitation to Nathan Walker, Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group, to talk to FNM in October 2024, Nathan has shared with us news of an initiative for landowners along the Tas – one of Norfolks chalk streams.

“Water Resources East (WRE) has commissioned Norfolk FWAG to support farmers and landowners in the Tas Catchment to understand opportunities for Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and the funding available. The benefits of NbS could result in reduced pressure from abstraction, improved chalk stream habitat, natural flood management, increased biodiversity, improvements to green infrastructure and improved water quality/nutrient neutrality measures… To understand if you are eligible to receive free support, with a view to scheduling your walkover visit, please contact Henry Walker at Norfolk FWAG:

Email: Call: 07713 333205.”

You can find out more about the project here 

Thanks to Steve, Justin and Mark for a fascinating visit and to everyone who is doing their bit for nature.

Ally Rae

January 2025