Popular UEA boardwalk on track for extensive revamp
By: Communications
The University of East Anglia is a step closer to replacing and upgrading a popular wildlife boardwalk, after the project was recommended for funding.
The UEA is delighted that its ambitious proposal to redevelop and relaunch the much-loved Yare Valley Boardwalk has been adopted within the Greater Norwich Growth Board’s five-year Infrastructure Investment Fund plan.
While the project was recommended for funding at the meeting of the Greater Norwich Growth Board on Thursday, December 11, the University will not know for certain if it will receive funding until March, 2026.
However, the University and local community groups have welcomed this news as a move towards restoring and improving a vital route linking Eaton and Cringleford to the University, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and Earlham Park.
David Ellis, Director of Development, Alumni and Campaigns at the UEA, said: “We are delighted that our application has passed this important milestone and will be recommended for funding.
“Our community consultation, which informed all aspects of the new and improved design, illustrated how vital this resource is for wellbeing, leisure and commuting and that our neighbouring communities are longing for it to re-open.”
The nature trail around the UEA broad experienced a three-fold increase in visitors over the Covid-19 pandemic and the boardwalk has been closed to the public since January 2024 due to health and safety concerns arising from degradation and wear-and-tear.
As part of a £260,899 application to GNGB sponsored by Norwich City Council, in August 2025, UEA commissioned a new design from Norwich Fringe Project.
Community Involvement
The University has been working with partners the Yare Valley Society and Eaton Village Residents’ Association for more than a year, to ensure community voice is at the heart of these plans.
Tony Bunn, on behalf of Eaton Village Residents’ Association’s Committee, said: “Before its closure, the UEA Boardwalk was not only a much-loved spot where Eaton residents could connect with nature, but also a vital route linking our community to the University, the Hospital and Earlham Park.
“That’s why we’re truly delighted that this project has been recommended for funding. The possibility of seeing the Boardwalk restored and reopened will be warmly welcomed by many in the village.”
An independent facilitator also ran open community consultation sessions at NNUH and at Cringleford’s Willow Centre, allowing users of the boardwalk to have their say and influence the design.
John Elbro, Chairman of The Yare Valley Society, said: “The previous boardwalk was much missed by the local community and beyond.
“The new boardwalk beside the River Yare will restore a key link of the popular Yare Valley Walk, and greatly increase opportunities to enjoy, appreciate, and understand the green space of the river valley and its wildlife.”
Sustainability and accessibility
The new design has sustainability and accessibility at its heart. To restore the 400m route in a way that provides longevity and minimal disruption to wildlife, UEA has specified the use of a recycled composite plastic that will last up to 25 years and require very little maintenance.
For improved accessibility, the path’s width will increase from 1m to 1.5m wherever possible, with passing places every 100m and additional seating.
As well as offering wellbeing benefits, UEA would like to make visits to the boardwalk area educational and inspiring and will be incorporating additional signage, showcasing the unique array of wildlife and signposting the linked walking trails to Bowthorpe, Cringleford and Marston Marshes.
A small pond will be reshaped to improve habitat and a new dipping platform installed.
As well as the funding requested from GNGB, and UEA’s own commitment of funding and in-kind resources, an application has been made to the National Lottery Community Fund. The project has also received funding from a developer planning obligation.
UEA is hugely grateful for the generous donations received so far from members of our community but still needs to raise another £2,581.
To donate visit Restore our Boardwalk
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