New woodland walk opens at NNUH

A new woodland walk has just opened at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, after a group of volunteers created a path through the trees which surrounds the site. The volunteers were drawn from the hospital staff and volunteers, Serco staff, Norfolk County Council’s Trails team, plus staff and students from Easton and Otley College.

The aim was to create a rural walk for staff and visitors, and picnic seating will be installed later in the year.  Insect ‘hotels’ have also been created to encourage wildlife.  

John Fry, Chairman of NNUH, said: “We would like to thank the volunteers for their contribution in creating the woodland walk which will enhance the facilities on our site and provide a peaceful area for walks away from the busy hospital environment.”    

Chris Paul, Corporate and Social Responsibility Manager for Serco said:  “We have had tremendous support from our volunteers and other external experts who have given up their time to create the woodland walk.”  

Norfolk County Council's Senior Trails Officer, David Yates, drew up the plans for the walk and advised on its development. He said: “It's well-documented that contact with green spaces can be beneficial to health and well-being.   “This new walk makes great use of the hospital's grounds – and particularly its woodland belt. It's a wonderful new facility and will bring all the benefits of going for a walk in the woods to both staff and visitors”.  

Students and staff from Easton and Otley College have also helped to create the woodland walk.  John Nice, a spokesperson for Easton and Otley College, said, “Students and staff from the college were delighted to be able to support this excellent community project.”
 
“Working on real life projects helps our learners develop new skills and we hope that the woodland area that they have helped create in the hospital grounds, will be a peaceful place that is enjoyed by local residents for many years to come.”  

The walk follows a path around two thirds of the circumference of the 64 acre site.