MP Richard Bacon supports Norfolk Claylands Wildlife project

Mr Bacon visited Bedingham Hall Farm, in Bedingham near Bungay, which has completed the work with the help of Norfolk Wildlife Trust's (NWT's) Claylands Wilder Connections project.

The project aims to recreate and reconnect important habitats in the South Norfolk Claylands, home to ancient woodlands, hedgerows and ponds.

The farm has used the scheme to clear nine ponds in which silt built up over decades, which have been excavated and cleared, to let in more light and create better habitats.

The MP, who was elected 22 years ago, said: "I find the project very exciting and very interesting.

"It wasn't that long ago the Ministry of Agriculture was paying farmers to rip out hedges to prioritise growing more food.

"It took several decades to realise the huge amount of damage they were doing to the natural environment.

"Hedges are mother nature's very own motorways.

"The government helping farmers and wildlife organisations, such as the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, is fabulous news."

Ben Newton showing the South Norfolk MP a map displaying the areas across his constituency where the Claylands Wilder Connections project is being carried out (Image: Bruno Brown)Ben Newton, habitat connectivity officer at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, welcomed the support from the South Norfolk MP.

Mr Newton said: "The project has shown we can make farming and wildlife work together.

"We have been really pleased by the uptake from landowners, and it is very encouraging that the MP for the region is showing an interest.

"70pc of Norfolk is farmland so this scheme is a real opportunity to exploit this part of the country to make a huge difference in benefitting wildlife."

The other significant element of the project relates to connecting people to local landscapes.

The idea is to promote a better understanding of the countryside and crucially provide opportunities for people to take meaningful action for the local environment.

Heather Tyrrell has been getting her hands dirty digging and planting trees. She said it enabled her to "do things again" after the pandemic.

Mrs Tyrrell said: "The pandemic was miserable, so when I found out I could help the Wildlife Trust, who I am a supporter of, it meant I could do things again.

"It has been a great collaborative effort and is very rewarding."

Farm owner Louise bond showing Mr Bacon a stretch of trees which have been planted under the Claylands Wilder Connections project (Image: Bruno Brown)