Outdoors
Crane Garden Buildings Helps Breathe New Life into Norfolk's River Bure
There’s a clear course ahead for a local river, thanks to a collaboration between a luxury garden buildings company and the National Trust.
Crane Garden Buildings is proud to announce its ongoing support for the restoration and conservation of the River Bure in Norfolk, as part of a collaboration with the National Trust. Funds raised through the sale of Crane’s National Trust branded garden buildings – including the popular Blickling and Felbrigg sheds – are now directly supporting vital ecological work along the Upper Bure Valley.
National Trust
The River Bure and its tributaries run through two historic National Trust properties – Blickling Estate and Felbrigg Hall – and is part of an ongoing conservation initiative designed to rejuvenate the chalk stream river and surrounding wetlands, benefitting wildlife and the local ecosystem.
Peter Mortin, Business Development Manager for Crane Garden Buildings, said: “We’re proud to see the proceeds from our National Trust range making a tangible difference in our own backyard. This collaboration represents more than just a donation – it's a shared commitment to preserving Norfolk’s natural heritage for future generations.”
The ongoing restoration work, overseen by the National Trust in partnership with the Environment Agency and Norfolk Rivers Trust, includes a series of work undertaken this spring.
This work includes re-naturalising the river’s flow along part of an historic course whilst improving fish and eel passage along the river near Blickling Mill, floodplain improvements at Lodge Farm, Blickling, including new wetland habitats and measures to reduce soil runoff, creation of woody features at Abbots Hall to improve biodiversity in the river itself and adjacent floodplain and pond restoration, continued measures for invasive species control of Himalayan Balsam, and pollution reduction in collaboration with local tenants and landowners.
James Manners, Project Manager for the Riverlands programme, said: “These carefully planned interventions are already transforming the river and its habitats. Thanks to Crane Garden Buildings’ continued funding – over £227,000 pledged between 2025 and 2029 – we can take long-term steps to ensure this special landscape thrives.”
This collaborative project not only supports wildlife such as eels and aquatic plants but also encourages community engagement, with plans for volunteer activities, educational events, and ongoing conservation efforts.
Crane Garden Buildings and the National Trust hope this shared initiative will inspire others in the industry to embed sustainability and purpose into their business models.
For more about the River Bure restoration, visit Restoring the River Bure | Norfolk | National Trust
Learn more about Crane Garden Buildings' National Trust range at www.cranegardenbuildings.co.uk
