Impression of new Dereham country park is released

Dereham Town Council has shared an artist's impression of how the park - which will become one of the biggest in the county - could look in 150 years' time.

The park will stretch from Neatherd Moor in the west with Etling Green in the east.

Work on the land, which was purchased back in July 2021, is set to begin soon, with the creation of a ‘species-rich grassland’ habitat along with the planting of 20 acres of flowers.

READ MORE: Town's plans for 160-acre country park to become a reality

Dereham Town Council have shown an artist's impression of how the brand new country park could look in the future (Image: Dereham Town Council)

Hugh King, town mayor, said: “I am really pleased with how this project has come together.

“This has come about by the town council having a long-term vision for improving open spaces and then keeping to that vision.

"It has taken the council more than 10 years to get where we are today and it was well worth the effort.

"Future residents of Dereham will get so much enjoyment from this park and the abundance of nature it will support.

Hugh King, mayor of Dereham (Image: Royal British Legion)

“This is the kind of project normally delivered by much larger district councils rather than tiny town councils.”

READ MORE: Dereham Town Council has Defra funding approved for Neatherd

Two new ponds will be created to provide a habitat for amphibians such as newts.

More than a mile of hedging will be planted later in the year, and the council also hopes to start woodland planting.

Mr King said: “I would like to thank all my fellow councillors for supporting this project over the years and the staff for their drive and creativity.

“I am immensely proud to say that this new countryside park will benefit nature and serve the people of Dereham for millennia to come, this is something we should all be proud of.”