Description

Cotman Meadow is a spacious rural retreat within a few miles of Norwich. The previous owner spent the last decade creating a perfect wild life reserve. He has planted willow, ash, alder and hawthorn to create a patchwork of open woodland on the meadow, offering both shelter and food for birds and deer. It is bordered on either side by woodland and is within a few hundred metres of the picturesque River Yare. Its woodland boundaries and private access offer seclusion and tranquility. It also provides a refuge for a variety of wildlife including kingfishers and the elusive Chinese Water Deer, as well as migrating geese and waders.

Over the last years the meadow has been allowed to rewild. Willows and hawthorns have grown well and wild flowers such as the common spotted orchid are found. An area has been devoted to a wild reed bed, which is the original habitat for the broads.

Access is via a private track which runs from Ferry Lane, westerly along a dyke, through woodland opening up into the meadow. This is shown green on the plan. The track is good and any ongoing maintenance is according to use.

There is also a right of way over the path down to an area of riverbank for the exclusive of Cotman Meadow and neighbours, this area is ideal for fishing, boating or bird watching.

During the summer months it would be hard to find a better place to picnic or spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Because this is a special area it is protected as part of The Broads. This does give a new owner the satisfaction of knowing that they will be a guardian of part of our national heritage.

The meadow is only 9 miles from the city of Norwich and a short distance from both the village of Brundall and A47 however feels very rural and offers owners a perfect countryside retreat.

The purchasers of the meadow will be asked to enter into a covenant to ensure the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of adjoining woodlands and meadows.

Trees

Various reed and wild grasses make up the meadow and offer a great wildlife habitat. The previous owner has also planted hundreds of trees though out the meadow. Willows ash and hawthorn have flourished.

Wildlife

Of note Chinese water deer are seen on this and neighbouring land.

Chinese water deer were first introduced into Great Britain in the 1870s. The animals were kept in the London Zoo until 1896, when Herbrand Russell oversaw their transferral to Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire. More of the animals were imported and added to the herd over the next three decades. In 1929 and 1930, 32 deer were transferred from Woburn to Whipsnade, also in Bedfordshire, and released into the park. The majority of the current population of Chinese water deer in Britain derives from escapees, with the remainder being descended from many deliberate releases. Most of these animals still reside close to Woburn Abbey. It appears that the deer's strong preference for a particular habitat – tall reed and grass areas in rich alluvial deltas - has restricted its potential to colonize further afield. The main area of distribution is from Woburn, east into Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and North Essex, and south towards Whipsnade.

Features

A level drained meadow and young woodland with good ditches on two sides and an excellent access track.

Access, tracks and footpaths

An excellent stoned access track provides year round access to this meadow.

Rights and covenants

This meadow forms part of the Norfolk Broads and it and the surrounding land is protected from future development ensuring a tranquil haven for years to come.

The purchasers of the meadow will be asked to enter into a covenant to ensure the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of adjoining woodlands and meadows.

Activities

Local walks along the river Yare as well as boating and fishing.

Local area and history

The meadow is within walking distance of Brundall village in the English county of Norfolk. It is located on the north bank of the River Yare opposite Surlingham Broad and about 7 miles (11 km) east of the city of Norwich.

As in other broadland areas, the land lying directly adjacent to the river falls into the executive area of the Broads Authority.

The village is served by Brundall and Brundall Gardens railway stations, which are both on the Norwich to Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft Wherry Lines.

The village is famous for its boat-building business, with Brooms of Brundall being a major manufacturer in the past. Positioned in the heart of the Norfolk Broads area, it still serves an important role in the industry.