Nature North of Norwich Farming Cluster
About this cluster
Nature North of Norwich Cluster Group
Farming is faced with numerous challenges, from climate change, biodiversity decline, and loss of subsidies through to the uncertainties of global commodity prices, and the benefits of large-scale cooperation amongst farmers is becoming ever more apparent.
Reflecting on many successes of cluster groups around the country, farmers and landowners in the area north of Norwich have come together with a focus on public access and education about farming, water resources, and biodiversity enhancement within the wider farming landscape.
The Nature North of Norwich Farming Cluster area covers the high ground north of the city of Norwich, sitting between the River Wensum on the west and the River Bure on the east. This means it covers a large area of headwaters, including many tributaries that start in the cluster area and feed into either the Wensum or the Bure. It encompasses a wide range of habitat types, including heathland, grassland, arable farmland, riparian meadows, and woodland. Initially the farming cluster is funded by Broadland District Council.
Cluster location
Cluster groups
Interests of the Cluster
- Improving existing public access
- Education about farming, through signage and school engagement
- Understanding catchment water availability, and improving water quality
- Looking at opportunities for landscape collaborative action
Meetings take place roughly quarterly, with external speakers and experts on topics the group are keen to increase their knowledge on. Farm walks provide the opportunity to put new information into a farm context.
Rewarding
Why join this Cluster Group?
Meet other local farmers and hear how they are operating in one of the most difficult areas to farm in the country
Hear from topical experts, sharing best practice on a variety of farm capital from woodland, to ponds, to soils
Access unique funding opportunities, coordinated by Norfolk FWAG, as they leverage landscape-scale funding streams
Visit other farms in the area and identify collaborative opportunities, such as equipment sharing
Get invites to other useful events to understand best practice, or to help develop your skills and knowledge base
Contact Us
How to join a Cluster Group
The cluster is free to join, and there is no obligation on attending. If you are a farmer or landowner farming in the Nature North of Norwich catchment area and are interested in joining the cluster, please contact Nathan Walker.
Projects
Our Current Projects
Working with Water
Funded through the Royal Countryside Fund, and in partnership with Water Resources East and the Norfolk Ponds Project, the Working with Water programme is a series of events which focuses on how farms can utilise Nature-based Solutions and ponds to protect, manage, and restore ecosystems, including water and soil. Climate change is intensifying
Conservation in Schools
Bringing Conservation to the Classroom At Norfolk FWAG, we believe that conservation belongs not just on farms and in nature reserves – but in the classroom, too. That’s why we’re proud to launch our Conservation in Schools programme: an exciting six-week educational initiative designed to connect children with the natural
Norfolk Venison Strategy & Norfolk Deer Strategy – Crowdfunding Seeking Support Now!
Norfolk FWAG are currently seeking financial contributions, via a crowdfunding campaign, to develop a Norfolk strategy to better manage deer populations, and ensure venison can enter the local food chain. Through working with our membership and partners, including the Broads Authority and Forestry Commission, it has been identified that deer