Coopers' Wood

A Norwich Fringe Project site, this is a tiny site with a fine collection of the commoner species. It currently is undergoing restoration work which hopefully will expand the range of species seen.

Directions

The reserve is at the end of Cooper Lane which is at the bottom of Sandy lane in Lakenham, just by the row of shops. You'll need to park here if you've come by car (bus stop here is served by the 9 and 9A). Cooper Lane is then on your right as you face the shops; walk down to the end and you will see a patch of green on your left. That's the entrance.

Tour

Walk straight down across the grass to the river - there may be a Brown Hawker hunting the grass. You will see the boardwalk to your left, but before we take that, pause to check out the vegetation in the river. You should see Red-eyed damselflies here, as well as Common Blue and Blue-tailed. Banded should be everywhere, particularly on the opposite bank.

The reeded area at the end of the reserve is too overgrown to support many dragonflies, though conservation work may enable chasers to colonise in the future. The mud under the railway bridge here often shows the footprints of mink, while a Grey Wagtail is frequently to be seen calling from the posts. Evening visits often give good views of Barn owls hunting the fields across the railway line.

Taking the boardwalk should give Large Red in the reeds along with the other damselflies, and either Brown Hawker or Emperor patrolling the river. Common Darters, Hairy dragonfly and Migrant Hawkers have also been seen here. 2006 broght the first sightings of Hairy dragonfly and Broad-bodied Chasers, although both seem to have been 'just passing through'.

Blackcaps, Chiff-chaffs and Willow Warblers breed here and both Reed Bunting and Reed Warbler can be seen on the opposite bank. You may also hear the distinctive call of the Cetti's Warbler and the drumming of the resident Great Spotted Woodpeckers. The short stretch of board walk leads you back to Coopers' Lane past a wooded area. The ditches here have a good display of Yellow Flag in June and Marsh Marigold in spring, and occasionally a kingfisher. The wood now has a path through it, good for Arum and bluebells, while the area to your right is slated for a community orchard in the future.

Next

Exiting Coopers' Lane you can turn left and walk to the railway bridge to take the Lakenham Walk to Queens Road, or carry straight on, take the next right, walk down to the T junction opposite the Cock Inn, turn right here, over the bridge and take the damselfly walk to Trowse.