Water Meadows
Scarning Water Meadows is an area of natural beauty and a County Wildlife Site. The Parish Council leases the two play areas (one off Blackthorn Drive, the other off Ted Ellis Walk) from Breckland Council. The remainder of the site (including Lucy's Meadow on Ted Ellis Walk) is maintained by Breckland Council. Some areas are maintained by the Norwich Diocesan Board and Dereham Town Council. The stream is the responsibility of the Environment Agency.
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The Parish Council owns and maintains the three Information Boards, as well as the dog and litter bins. Breckland Council/Serco empties the bins. We are also responsible for the play equipment and facilities. Please report any faults to the Parish Clerk (scarningclerk@btinternet.com)
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Breckland Council is responsible for the footpaths, trees and hedgerows on the site.
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For comments/complaints regarding those areas of the site that are outside the Parish Council's responsibility, please contact Breckland Council (property@breckland.gov.uk).
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The Parish Council is aware that some residents are concerned for the safety of children on the Blackthorn Drive playing field/play area regarding dogs that are not on leads and that there are some residents who are fearful of unleashed dogs running up to them. We would be grateful if dogs could be kept under control on the Playing field and around the play area.
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HIMALAYAN BALSAM
As part of Norfolk Rivers Trust’s ongoing efforts to protect the rivers and wetlands of Norfolk and the biodiversity they support, the Trust is seeking to raise awareness about an invasive plant you may already be aware of: Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera). This non-native species poses a significant threat to our ecosystem all year round as it out-competes native plants and overtakes our riverbanks. Additionally, as a seasonal species, balsam leaves riverbanks bare and vulnerable to erosion over winter.
What can you do to help?
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Report sightings and support removal efforts.
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Please get in touch with Norfolk Rivers Trust if you would like to organise a Balsam bash in your local area.
Resources:
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Identification guidance & more information: ID_Impatiens_glandulifera_(Himalayan_Balsam) (nnnsi.org)
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Management handbook: HB-Management.pdf (nnnsi.org)
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To submit your sightings: Himalayan Balsam Sightings (arcgis.com)
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To submit any current works: Himalayan Balsam Control (arcgis.com)
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Learn more about NRT’s current Himalayan balsam project: Norfolk Rivers Trust | Himalayan Balsam on the River Wensum
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