Marriott’s Way
At approx 25 miles long Marriott’s way is an important route for both people and wildlife. The old railway pathway is lined with oak, ash, beech, birch as well as Hawthorn and Blachthorn. Steep embankments just after the ramp way up from Cawston Road are excellent habitat for birds and small mammals. You can sometimes see evidence of Foxes on the sides of the path and Deer frequent the areas around. Munjak and Roe Deer are common in the area, but there are also occasional sightings of the much bigger Red Deer over towards Cawston and Marsham Heath. Hedgehogs will love the undisturbed vegetation and dead wood found on the embankments, the area is perfect for providing hibernation places and a steady diet of the invertebrates and earth worms that they depend on..
On a warm summers evening as dusk falls you are likely to see Bats flitting across the path and amongst the trees.
The variety of trees along Marriotts way makes it good for birds. All year round you will hear and see our familiar resident birds like Robin, Wren, Magpie and both Great and Long Tailed Tits. The small patch of conifers between the ramp and St Michael’s estate often have Goldfinch and Firecrest, one of our smallest birds can sometimes be heard. In spring and summer migrants like Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff can also be heard.
In Spring the path edges and areas around the track have variegated Yellow Archangel (a garden escape) several types of Cranesbills (native geraniums), spikes of Lords and Ladies, patches of Stitchwort and Red Campion. You will also see patches of White and Red Deadnettle, a favorite early nectar source for Bees. Cleavers or goose grass is common rambling through the undergrowth.
Further towards the Henry Page Rd Open space you can see patches of bushy Rose Rugosa, possibly planted, which has large rose hips after the sweetly smelling dark pink flowers have faded away . You will also find pale pink Dog Rose scrambling amongst the bushes along with Honeysuckle.
