Wymondham Nature Group (WyNG) is a local group of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Formed in 1991, its aim is to provide support for the Trust and a relaxed and informal forum for local people interested in nature through talks at monthly meetings, outdoor visits and walks and conservation working parties. The Group also produces a quarterly magazine.

Enquiries contact - Ann Carpenter. Tel 01508 488337

Chairman - Ann Roberts. 41 Sycamore Avenue, Wymondham, NR18 OHF Tel 01953 604311.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust
The Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT) is the largest of a network of 47 local wildlife trusts. It works for the survival of Norfolk's wildlife and wild places. It was founded in 1926 and celebrated its 80th anniversary in this year. The NWT owns and manages 38 nature reserves, including 9 broads, 5 ancient woodlands and 6 miles of coastline. For information contact - Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Bewick House, 22 Thorpe Road, Norwich, NR1 1RY. Tel 01603 625540.

Wymondham Nature Group
The Wymondham Nature Group (WyNG) is a local group of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT). To enjoy the benefits of belonging to WyNG you do not have to be a member of the NWT and there is no subscription fee. The Group organises a wide variety of events including illustrated talks, outdoor visits and walks. For the more energetic why not think of becoming a conservation volunteer? You do not have to commit yourself on a regular basis. Whether you are an expert or someone with just a general interest in nature do come along and enjoy meeting others with similar interests in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Indoor meetings
The group holds indoor monthly meetings (except during July and August) on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm. This usually takes the form of an illustrated talk. Admission is £1.50 including refreshments, unless otherwise stated.

Meetings are held in the Town Green Centre situated at the side of Wymondham Methodist Church. Parking is available on road or at the Town Green car park near the Feathers public house.


Programme of illustrated talks – January-June 2008

Thursday 8th November	-	Paul Naylor: "The Colourful Lives of Britain's Marine Animals" (postponed from February)
Thursday 13th December	-	John Milton: "Foxley Wood, Past, Present and Future"
Thursday 10th January	-	“The Work of a Wildlife Crime Officer” by Garth Coupland
Thursday 14th February	-	“A Birder’s Year in Norfolk” by Allen Hale
Thursday 13th March	-	“East Anglian Butterflies and Moths” by Robert Maidstone
Thursday 10th April	-	A short AGM followed by “A Year at Holme” by Gary Hibberd (Warden at Holme)
Thursday 8th May	-	Leanne Thomas: 'Sculthorpe Moor, a wildlife wetland haven'
Thursday 12th June	-	"American Birds of Prey" a talk by Eddie Boosey.
Thursday 11th September	-	'The Answer Lies in the Soil' by Dr Anne Edwards.'

The venue is the Town Green Centre (behind the Methodist Church), Wymondham.
Meetings start at 7.30 pm, entrance £1-50 including refreshments.
Everyone is welcome. More details from Ann Carpenter on 01508 488337.
No meetings during July & August.

Conservation
Local volunteers are responsible for carrying out conservation work at the town's own reserve at Tolls Meadow and at the NWT reserve at Lower Wood Ashwellthorpe. Volunteers are always welcome. Contact Anne Edwards Tel 01603 812309

Local Nature Reserves and walks
The Town is well served with areas for enjoying a pleasant walk and to see wildlife.

•  Walk along the river Tiffey from Chapel Bridge or from Frogshall Lane and across the meadow to the river and on to Becketswell , continue along the river and then via Whitehorse Street to Tolls Meadow, the Cemetery and the Lizard, (see map).
•  Tolls Meadow was purchased by the Town Council in 1994 and is currently being modified to create a wildflower meadow with disabled access. There is a wide range of flowers, birds, butterflies and insects. The water course reveals the burrows of the endangered water vole.
•  The Cemetery provides a valuable nesting and feeding site for several types of bird.
•  The Lizard meadow is public open space. It is linked via a series of steps, styles and bridges to a footpath along the old railway embankment on the other side of the river.
•  Silfield Nature Reserve is the home of the protected 'great crested newt'. It is also a haven for frogs, toads, smooth newts and a range of butterflies and wildflowers.



Ashwellthorpe Lower Wood
The Wood comprises 93 acres of ancient woodland. It offers a variety of trees and woodland flora, many of which are markers of ancient woodland and is believed to have been woodland as far back as the end of the Ice Age. It is situated in Ashwellthorpe, 2.5 miles south east of Wymondham. Entrance to the Wood is via signed footpath near the garage in the village. It was renotified as an SSSI in 1983 under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The Wood including 'Bellars Grove' was purchased by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust in 1992. The Wood is managed by local volunteers who regularly undertake work in the Wood with the aim of encouraging both wildlife and visitors, (see conservation).



Magazine - Swift
Swift covers a wide range of interesting topics and local news. It is produced quarterly in February, May, August and November. If you would like to receive copies please contact The Editor, Janet Stevens on 01953 602457 or email jstevens@waitrose.com. Articles for inclusion in the magazine are always welcome.