Detail of River Wensum at Train Wood, 2016 By Stuart McPherson
The River Wensum has its source between the villages of Colkirk and Whissonsett, flows through Fakenham and the Pensthorpe nature reserve, and on through Swanton Morley, Taverham and Norwich, flowing out of the city at Trowse to its confluence with the River Yare at Whitlingham.
In 1993, 71 km of the Wensum was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and the river is recognised as one of the most important chalk river habitats in the country, home to over 100 plant species and a rich invertebrate fauna.
In 2001, the River Wensum was designated a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive. Species requiring conservation objectives are: Bullhead (fish), Brook Lamprey (fish), Whiteclawed crayfish, Desmoulin’s Whorl Snail and additionally watercourses with water crowfoot and water starwort vegetation (Ranunculus habitat).
Information from the Wensum Alliance.