Volunteers create new wildlife habitat at Attleborough rail station

Above: Newly planted saplings in the car park at Attleborough rail station. Credit: Greater Anglia

Sparrows and dunnocks are among the creatures set to benefit from the creation of a new wildlife habitat at Attleborough rail station.

The station’s team of volunteer ‘station adopters’, who are part of the Attleborough Heritage Group, are planting 60 metres of hedgerow in the new car park, thanks to funding from Attleborough Bloomers and Attleborough Town Council with support from train operator, Greater Anglia.

A recent wildlife survey by a Norfolk Wildlife Trust ecologist - which led to a ‘Wildlife Friendly Station’ accreditation for the station - found that the platform garden areas were being frequented by dunnock and house sparrows.

The report suggested that by providing mixed hedgerow at the station, it could become an even more valuable habitat for these vulnerable species, providing a space for food, breeding and shelter.

The project has been led by Hannah Nairn, Jane Doughty and Cliff Amos and an initial donation of saplings was provided by Cllr Taila Taylor through the Attleborough Bloomers. Funding for further saplings and tree guards was provided by Attleborough Town Council.

Station adopter, Jane Doughty, said,

“House sparrow and dunnock populations are sadly in decline, so we were absolutely delighted when Greater Anglia supported the idea of a hedge around the new car park to help support them.

“I would like to thank the Attleborough Bloomers and Attleborough Town Council for the funding and donation of saplings that has made this project possible.”

Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, Alan Neville, said,

“We were delighted to support the station adopters at Attleborough in their aims to make Attleborough station even more wildlife friendly.

“The hedge will not only improve the appearance of the car park but is going to play an important role in supporting local wildlife populations, turning a previously ‘dead space’ into a haven.”

Attleborough rail station’s ‘Wildlife Friendly’ accreditation recognises the work of community volunteers to improve biodiversity and support nature there.

Greater Anglia has partnered with the Norfolk Wildlife Trust to formally recognise the achievements of its team of volunteer ‘station adopters’ to create wildlife havens at stations across its network through the new ‘Greater Anglia Wildlife Friendly Stations Accreditation Scheme.’

The Attleborough station adopter team received the award following assessment by a Norfolk Wildlife Trust Conservation Officer to determine how well the station supports local flora and fauna.

Above: Station adopters, Jane Doughty and Cliff Amos with their Wildlife Friendly Station accreditation. Credit: Greater Anglia