Friends of Train Wood & Marriott’s Way
We are a group of people working together to make sure Norwich’s most unique historic and natural woodland and riverbank, and off road trail, stays well looked after and open to all, forever.
The wood was formerly under grave threat as Norfolk County Council were seeking to sell it, but our successful campaign made sure it stayed in public hands.
Join us
If you’d like to become a member, please click the button below to make a secure one-off payment.
Who we are
We are a group who have come together to protect and enhance this woodland, its rights of way, railway heritage, riverbank and – working with others along the route – the long-distance Marriott’s Way.
What we represent
We are local residents, train heritage enthusiasts, birdwatchers, anglers, cyclists, walkers, commuters, runners, joggers, dog walkers, children, pensioners, tourists, canoeists… We are representatives of the many different groups who care passionately about this amazing place and path.
What we are doing
We are working together to make sure Train Wood stays open to everyone, forever. Our group is open to all users and we seek to listen to and work with all users of the area. We are working with local authorities and other organisations to improve the Marriott’s Way. As well as regular practical work like litter picks and nature conservation, we have listed Train Wood as an Asset of Community Value with the local authority and made bids for funding. We welcome involvement and new members.
About Train Wood & Marriott’s Way
Train Wood is a piece of woodland bordering the River Wensum on the northern side of Norwich, at the start of Marriott’s Way, the 26 mile off-road path into rural Norfolk direct from the city. The woodland starts at Barn Road Roundabout and finishes at Anderson’s Meadow, covering approximately 12 acres. A designated County Wildlife Site, it is a rare example of wet and dry woodland.
Train Wood provides a green lung for the local area, with stunning views across the River Wensum. The area has a long history of human habitation. Part of the River Wensum Floodplain, originally marshland, it formed part of the eastern defensive boundary of the city against attack with a terminal tower of the medieval city wall just across the river.
It also has historic links to the weaving trade, the dyeing of fabric being commonplace along the northern Wensum in medieval times. John Crome of the Norwich School of Painters, who lived locally, painted many of his scenes from this area, then known as the bleaching ground, used for sun drying fabric.
It was a fishery until comparatively recently, and was also the site of the now demolished Norwich City Station, which was damaged during the Baedeker Blitz in 1942 and still contains a bomb crater now full of water! The station survived until the 1960s. The site now occupies part of what was the engine sheds and track.
The area is naturally diverse, providing a home for foxes, otters, woodpeckers, and a myriad of other bird and plant life, as well as aquatic life. It also features fishing stages, restored by Friends of Train Wood. Originally built by Norwich City Council, they had been in a state of disrepair for some years. They provide one of the few free, easy-access fishing areas in the city, with fish from roach and dace to tench, carp and an occasional Barbel in evidence.
It was believed until 2012 that the area was owned by Norwich City Council, but during an archeological dig on the site in 2011 and 2012, investigations led to the conclusion that the land was in fact owned by Norfolk County Council.
To read further on the different areas of interest in more detail click the buttons below.
History & heritage
The history is as interesting and important as the woodland itself.
Locale & community
A green corridor in the heart of the community.
Nature & the river
A Wildlife Site of wet and dry woodland, river banks and glades.
Access & cycling
The gateway to Marriott’s Way – 26 miles of accessible paths.
Stay in touch
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