Why the Wensum Valley Trust was set up
The Wensum Valley Trust is a countryside management project that has taken on the objectives and the work of the Wensum Valley Project.
The principle of countryside management projects is that a distinct unit of high quality countryside, such as a coastline or valley, is considered in a holistic way in order to encourage the conservation of its character and to resolve conflicts of interest.
The Wensum Valley Trust was established at a public meeting on 26th March 2007, in order to gain access to new sources of funding to carry on the work of the Wensum Valley Project.
The Wensum Valley Project had been set up by Norfolk County Council in 1988 as a joint venture between the Countryside Commission, and six local authorities. Norfolk County Council, Breckland Council, Broadland District Council, North Norfolk District Council, South Norfolk Council and Norwich City Council .
This followed a pilot study by Norfolk County Council on a short stretch of the Wensum Valley, in order to ‘collect data and determine the character of the valley, the pressures upon it, and the opportunities to promote conservation and access'. The study recommended the establishment of management projects for river valleys, with priority being given to the Wensum.
