Campaigners who won a triumphant victory to save the Deer Park in Old Catton are staying together while they put in extra measures to ensure no developer can ever be a threat again.  

Old Catton Parish Council announced in March it had bought the green space from Devlin Developments. 

And now the action group that supported this purchase is making plans to ensure their oasis never comes under fire again.

Norwich Evening News: The park has become an oasis for lots of wildlife The park has become an oasis for lots of wildlife (Image: Archant)READ MORE: 44th Norwich Scouts' hut in Old Catton needs new roof

Kathy Branson, chair of the action group, said: “We genuinely couldn’t believe it when we found out we saved the park, these things just don’t happen there are lots of times when people haven’t been successful. 

“It took a while to sink in and we are overjoyed – since starting this our Facebook page has had so much community engagement.  

“We are just excited about what the future is now and how we can protect and enhance for the younger generations.” 

Norwich Evening News: Old Catton Deer Park Old Catton Deer Park (Image: Brittany Woodman)

READ MORE: Council investigate drastic Trowse tree felling near river

So, with the fight seemingly won, why is the group planning to stay together?  

Kathy said: “When we looked at our constitution, it states we should stay working as a group until we are assured all the right guarantees are in place to protect the wildlife.  

“The data on the wildlife has been collected by the community so we had an obligation to go a little longer until we know the area is a protected wildlife haven.” 

Next steps for the action group are to get the area assessed as a county wildlife site with the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.  

READ MORE: Caravan dumped in South Hill Road, Thorpe St Andrew

Norwich Evening News: The action group were overjoyed when they heard that they won The action group were overjoyed when they heard that they won (Image: Kathy Branson)

Kathy said: “If that happens, we are protected from the threat of developers in the future. 

“But it also means that we will have access to grants to enhance the site.” 

The action group plan to continue their work alongside the parish council to ensure the site remains the oasis for wildlife that it is.  

Norwich Evening News: The area is a little slice of countryside The area is a little slice of countryside (Image: newzulu.com)