Halfords to Andersons' Meadow

A walk along the Wensum in the heart of the city that has turned up a surprising range of wildlife and a good variety of dragonflies. From the sight of a kingfisher hunting from a JCB bucket, to otter tracks in the mud, it is amazing the variety of creatures that share our city.

Directions

The walk begins at Barn Rd Roundabout, with the entrance to the right of Halfords. This is the start of Marriotts Way and it is possible to walk or cycle all the way to Aylsham from here!

Tour

We are going to duck off the cycle path almost immediately after starting, turning onto a muddy track to the right which leads down to the river. These paths are beaten by anglers and allow us to reach the river bank. Banded Demoiselles, Common Blue, Large Red and Blue-tailed damselflies are to be seen on the riverside vegetation all along this walk. The first landmark we reach is Wensum Park on the opposite bank. A large number of ducks congregate here for the bread thrown to them, along with coots and moorhens.

Further along we can see on the opposite bank the new housing development, the terraces of the flats looking out over the river. When this was being built a kingfisher regularly used the builders' JCB as a fishing perch on Sundays, and it can still be seen flashing up the river. An Emperor patrols here, and later in the season Migrant Hawkers occupy the site.

The next landmark is the wooden bridge over a pool recently built to encourage otters. Leaning over the bridge, check the mud around the pool for paw prints and the distinctive droppings that otters use to mark their territories. The otters aren't resident here but occasionally use this pool in traveling up and down the river.

Finally we reach the bridge that leads us across the river (small children will enjoy jumping up and down here as the bridge resounds in a most satisfying manner). Continuing along the bank gives us a chance to check out the hedges - as well as butterflies, there is a chance of common darter and migrant hawker here, before arriving at Andersons' Meadow.

The meadow banks are particularly good for banded demoiselles but migrant hawkers, common darters, and the occasional Brown Hawker can be seen here, as well as the usual damselflies. The bridge across the river here leads to Old Palace St., while the far end of the park exits to Mile Cross Rd. The exit near where you entered the meadow takes you to Drayton Rd. (See map here)

Next

Continue across Mile Cross road for the next stage of the walk to Sweet Briar Marshes. Or if you've done the walk the other way, head for the Cow Tower walk.