Wacton
Wacton is a small village situated 12 miles south of Norwich close to Long Stratton, and is one of the few places in the county for which a census before 1841 survives. The gently sloping land with clay and chalk sub-soil has created an interesting environment for plants such as cowslips and orchids. Because the land cracks and becomes difficult to work in the summer, ponds, ditches and streams have been created over the centuries, resulting in a wide variety of waterside plants and wildlife, in particular water voles and otters. There are several footpaths and bridleways around the village, enabling you to experience views that have changed very little since medieval times. Roman pottery has been unearthed in recent years and Wacton has been the subject of a research project. All Saints church has a Saxon tower and a large 14th Century nave. The churchyard is managed to conserve wildlife. There are a few buildings of architectural interest including a 12th Century cottage, 15th Century Hall on the edge of the common and some Victorian terraces. In 2004 Wacton received a National Lottery Heritage grant to restore the front boundary wall of Wacton churchyard. The wall, which was built in the 19th Century, is a local heritage feature and was rebuilt using the old original bricks.
