Welcome to Southrepps Common Local Nature Reserve

 

Chairman's Important Announcement 

It is my great pleasure and privilege, as Chairman, to pass on some exciting news, namely that Southrepps Commons Trust has been awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service - the MBE for volunteer groups. 

On such occasions expressions of gratitude tend to be scattered around almost to the point of cliché, but this award really is for the group, which means every one of our volunteers deserves to feel personally proud of our collective achievement.  As Chairman I thank you all and haven't forgotten a single moment of all your hard work.  Remember too that we stand on the shoulders of giants and would never be where we are today without the vision of those who started the project back in 1990, one of whom, John Daniels, is still a Trustee to this day. 

SCT did not seek this award; you can't apply for it.  We were nominated by the Parish Council and after a lengthy assessment the final decision was made in London endorsed by Her Majesty.  I am amazed by the decision, especially when you compare us to some groups who seemed so much more worthy.  I think it's because we have carved out a wide remit for ourselves by going beyond the single task of just cutting the grass!  We've run with our education objective which parallels the conservation one.  And we have shown that the management of a large public amenity can be sustained by voluntary effort alone, given good organisation and will.   

The Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk presented the award on behalf of Her Majesty at a ceremony in Norwich and it was received with huge appreciation and thanks for everybody's hard work over many years.   

Regards from John

 

The Southrepps Common Local Nature Reserve comprises 12.4 hectares of woodland, reeds, grass and rare wild flowers, in Lower Southrepps village.  The diverse habitats support an exceptional range of species and carry 'Site of Special Scientific Interest' and  'Special Area of Conservation' status. An impressive 800 metre boardwalk is loved by adults and children alike, and provides wheelchair access to the most important parts of the site.

Southrepps Commons Trust bears the whole responsibility for looking after all the Southrepps Common Local Nature Reserve, including the Site of Special Scientific Interest. All the work is done by volunteers, without whom the wonderful mixture of habitats, plants and accessibility that comprises Southrepps Commons would not exist.

For more information on where to find us or volunteering for a working party please follow the links or contact us at:

Southrepps Commons Trust