Our Wildlife Trail
Our Wildlife Trail was opened by author, naturalist and UEA graduate Mark Cocker in February 2012.
It was made possible by a grant from the Big Lottery Fund’s Community Wildlife programme. The trail follows existing paths on the edge of the campus and along the banks of the River Yare. It explains the biodiversity of the area, identify wildlife and show how the conservation of the site is managed.
The creation of the UEA Wildlife Trail is a fabulous asset for Norwich residents, allowing us all to experience the natural environment right on our doorstep.
- Mark Cocker
There are four sections to the trail covering different habitats; using existing pathways around the campus and river valley to highlight conservation issues and some of the key habitats and species. Some species are easy to see and some are more challenging!
The four trails are maintained by our volunteers. Staff and students have been involved with conservation work on the campus marshland since October 2010, and volunteers continue to meet regularly.
At the opening event, Dr Iain Barr’s (School of Biological Sciences) welcoming speech was beautifully interrupted by the sight of a young otter fishing in the Broad: a wonderful wildlife encounter.
With partner organisations including Friends of Eaton Park and the Yare Valley Society, the project is a good example of how the University works alongside local community groups.
Find out more
Use our wildlife trail map as a guide to help you
Email the Sustainability Team to get involved.
Uea Tree Trail
The Tree Trail and accompanying map (found below) were developed by the Sustainability Team and Tom Everett, Landscape Manager, in collaboration with the 2018 Norfolk Festival of Nature and Prof Tom Williamson.
Local artists Alexandra Last and David Luckhurst created the trees and the campus map respectively, with the design delivered by Anne Reekie.