The Dell - Enhancing for people and wildlife

Update 1 — New benches, a path and safer boundaries

Last summer, the Friends of The Dell secured a Love Norwich grant to purchase and install three new benches at the site, including a picnic table giving visitors somewhere to sit and enjoy the space.

The group then designed and laid a circular woodchip path connecting the new seating areas, creating a more welcoming route through the Dell.

We also repaired damaged fencing along the site's southern boundary to improve safety.

A big thank you to everyone who raised this through the consultation.

Update 2 — Coppicing, community feedback and what's coming next

Last autumn, volunteers from the Norwich Fringe Project and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) spent a day coppicing and pollarding trees along the woodland edge. The work lets more sunlight into the site, improves sight lines, and makes the Dell a safer, more welcoming place to visit — with benefits for wildlife too.

The Friends of The Dell have kindly shared some of the feedback they've received on the improvements so far:

"I think the improvements to the Dell have been a breath of fresh air... The tone of the park has entirely changed for the better. I've seen visitors having picnics there, I occasionally practise Tai Chi there — things that were never seen until now."

"The work that you and the comrades are doing in the Dell is wonderful and has improved the look and feel of the green space. I/we would suggest that as a result there has been an increase in use of the space."

"I believe it to be a fabulous improvement which enhances the natural environment and the visual amenity of our stretch of Earlham Road... it shows everyone what can be achieved and serves as a reminder that the march of urbanisation and destruction of natural habitat can be resisted."

"The new path is attractive and opens up the space — a huge improvement. As is the additional seating and table. The Dell now looks cared for and welcoming."

Looking ahead, we have some exciting plans in the pipeline - including tree planting and a community street art project. Watch this space!

A lot has been happening at The Dell since last summer’s consultation. In February, a second entrance gate was installed by contractors, with Norwich Fringe Project volunteers then arriving in March to create an adjoining new section of path.

In April, two new trees, a Hornbeam and a Beech, were planted to help boost biodiversity.

We have been working closely with a fantastic group of local people who are helping us to manage the site, culminating in the formation of a new community group, named The Friends of The Dell.

In collaboration with the group, we have some exciting future works planned, including the creation of a circular path and the installation of new seating.

To keep up to date or get involved with The Friends of The Dell, please take a look at their Facebook page.

We’d like to thank the 60 residents who participated in our consultation on proposals to improve The Dell, a small woodland space on Earlham Road. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us shape the future of this important woodland space.

What you told us

We received a range of comments, feedback and suggestions through our online survey and in-person conversations at The Dell. We've carefully reviewed all the feedback received. To learn about the key findings, download the Summary Report.

Next steps

• Installation of a second gate to allow a continuous walkway through the site is scheduled for the week commencing January 27^th
• Norwich Fringe Project volunteers will visit The Dell in the week commencing 3 February to add finishing touches to the new entrance and path, allowing it to be opened for use.
• We're pleased that a number of local people have expressed interest in getting involved with community activities and events at The Dell. If you'd like to find out more or join in, please email Amelia at ameliaworley@norwich.gov.uk