Broadland District Council has funded a new gate for Jary's Meadow.

The Blofield and District Conservation Group (BADCOG) received £410 from the council after reaching out to Councillor Paul Newstead. 

Cllr Newstead, elected member for Blofield with South Walsham, allocated the grant from his £1,000 Ward Funding.

The conservation group used this funding to erect a new field gate at the entrance of the meadow.

Cllr Newstead said: “I was delighted to be able to support this fantastic group that does so much for the local community.

READ MORE: Micropub and brewery collaborate to support LGBTQ heritage

"Many of the beautiful sites around the area are maintained and enhanced because of the hard work and selflessness shown by these passionate volunteers.”

BADCOG, a volunteer-based group, has been maintaining conservation areas in the area for more than 40 years. These include ponds, churchyards, and woods.

Since 2005, when they purchased Jary's Meadow, they have worked to make continuous improvements to the 2.5 acre site.

The chairman of BADCOG, Tony McKie, said: “Jary’s Meadow is a lovely site with a wide range of flora and fauna.

READ MORE: Cromer RNLI operations manager steps down after successful tenure

"Over the years we have planted a variety of native trees and shrubs to further enhance it for wildlife.

“The new gate will ensure there is a safe entrance for local residents and visitors, while protecting the site from off-road vehicles.”

In addition to Jary's Meadow, BADCOG also oversees the management of 14 other conservation sites, including the council-owned Snowdrop Acre in Witton.

The site was once the garden of decorated WWI hero Hayrick Antony Greatorex.

He moved to Norfolk with his family in 1915, and after the war he pioneered the breeding of snowdrops.

More varieties of named snowdrops are derived from his garden than any other in Britain.

Cllr Newstead said: “Snowdrop Acre is a really special site and historically and botanically very important.

READ MORE: Long-serving festival chairwoman stepping down

"We are very grateful to all the volunteers who give up their time to take care of it and help preserve it for future generations.”

The group currently has around 40 volunteers and is always looking for new members.

Mr McKie said: “We are a very sociable group who like getting outdoors and getting some exercise, while helping to make a difference to our local environment."

Anyone interested in joining can visit badcog.co.uk for more information.