One of Norfolk’s most promising green spaces is entering an exciting new chapter, as Broadland Country Park prepares to almost double in size while coming under the care of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
Located between the villages of Horsford and Felthorpe, just outside Norwich, the country park has quickly become a valued outdoor space for both local residents and visitors since it first opened in 2021. Created by Broadland District Council, the 140-acre site has already built a reputation for its peaceful setting, open access, and growing importance for wildlife.
Now, with the addition of a further 114 acres of land known as Drayton Drewray, the park is set to expand significantly. The newly acquired area lies to the south of the existing park and has been purchased through a joint effort between the council and the wildlife trust. Once fully integrated, the combined landscape will offer a much larger and more connected natural space, benefiting both people and wildlife.
Even in its current form, Broadland Country Park is home to a range of species that are becoming increasingly rare across the UK. Birds such as nightjars and cuckoos have been recorded here, alongside a variety of other wildlife that depends on a mix of heathland, woodland and grassland habitats. With the expansion, there is a real opportunity to strengthen these habitats and support even greater biodiversity.
The decision to bring in Norfolk Wildlife Trust to manage the site marks a natural next step in the park’s development. With decades of experience in conservation across the county, the trust is well placed to oversee both the protection and enhancement of the landscape. Their involvement is expected to bring a stronger focus on long-term nature recovery, while still keeping the park accessible and enjoyable for the public.
Plans for the site go beyond simply increasing its size. There is a clear intention to improve and diversify the habitats within the park, particularly the woodland areas and marshy grasslands that support a wide range of species. By carefully managing these environments, the aim is to create a more resilient ecosystem that can adapt and thrive in the years ahead.
Alongside conservation work, the park is also set to become a more active hub for community engagement. Visitors can expect a growing programme of wildlife events, guided walks and workshops designed to help people connect more closely with nature. There will also be opportunities for volunteers to get involved, including access to more specialised conservation training for those interested in learning new skills.
For many people, one of the biggest draws of Broadland Country Park is its accessibility. It offers a chance to step into nature without travelling far, something that has become increasingly important in recent years. Plans to introduce new walking and cycle paths will only enhance this, making it easier to explore different parts of the park and enjoy the varied landscape.
Importantly, the park will remain free to visit, with ongoing support from Broadland District Council ensuring it stays open and accessible to all. This continued funding reflects a shared commitment to maintaining the park as a public space that benefits both the local community and the wider environment.
Another welcome addition is the upcoming visitor centre, which is due to open later this summer. The facility will include a café and essential amenities, offering a comfortable base for visitors and encouraging longer stays. It is expected to become a focal point within the park, bringing together recreation, education and relaxation in one place.
What makes this development particularly significant is the balance it strikes. On one hand, it represents a major investment in conservation and habitat restoration. On the other, it enhances access to green space for the people who live nearby. In a time when both are increasingly important, Broadland Country Park is shaping up to be a strong example of how the two can work hand in hand.
As the park grows and evolves, it is likely to play an even bigger role in Norfolk’s natural landscape. For walkers, families, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone simply looking for a breath of fresh air, it offers a space that feels open, welcoming and full of potential.
With its expansion underway and new management in place, Broadland Country Park is not just getting bigger. It is becoming something more meaningful, a place where nature is given room to recover and where people can experience it up close, right on the edge of the city.