New nature reserve to act as ‘green beating heart’ for Norwich

Sweet Briar Marshes are located in a piece of previously overlooked land beside the River Wensum, an internationally important chalk river. Photograph: Shaun Lawson/Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Hidden between a hectic ring road, a chemicals factory and housing estates are 36 hectares (90 acres) of “a green beating heart, pumping nature” into the surrounding city.

Traffic noise and sirens are muffled by ancient oaks, while late-season dragonflies sweep over hawthorns laden with blood-red haws as a kestrel hovers, head down, searching for field voles hiding in the tufty grasses.