Situated close to Norwich City Centre, Sweet Briar Marshes is a new NWT reserve and is a relic of the wet meadows that once ran the entire length of the River Wensum.
The reserve sits by the River Wensum and forms a ribbon of green through an otherwise urban environment. It is a fabulous mosaic of wetland habitats, including grassland, tall-herb fen, veteran hedgerows and scrub. This wetland is important for declining plant species such as early marsh orchid, devil's-bit scabious and ragged robin. Sweet Briar Marshes is wonderful for wildlife throughout the year. In winter, spot noisy flocks of small birds such as long-tailed tits searching for seeds in the trees. Listen out in spring for the rambling notes of sedge warbler and loud repetitive call of song thrush. Come summer, the meadows brim with flowers, dragonflies and feeding butterflies such as red admiral, meadow brown and skippers. WVBS has just begun a monthly bird count: do contact a committee member if you are interested. This summer’s notable birds include Grasshopper warbler, Cuckoo, Whitethroat, Reed and Sedge warblers. Last year there was a Nightingale briefly. There are two entrances to the reserve from Marriott's Way – both signed. The east entrance is close to Sloughbottom Park (what3words:will.rang.latter). The west entrance is close to Hellesdon Road (what3words: frosted.atom.remedy). There is no dedicated car parking. All parks are a walk away: Sloughbottom park car park, Hellesdon Mill car park and Hellesdon Road Riverside walk car park. Check out NWT website for more access details. (Writing credit - some information used from the NWT website)