Published: Tuesday, 20th October 2026
A much-loved area of green space in South Lynn has been given lasting protection after Harding’s Pits was registered as a Village Green.
Norfolk County Council has approved the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk’s application to voluntarily dedicate the council-owned land west of Harding’s Way as a Village Green. The application was considered by Norfolk County Council’s Planning (Regulatory) Committee on Tuesday 20 October 2026.
Village Green status provides important statutory protection for the land. It protects the green from development and other encroachment and gives the local community a legal right to use it for lawful sports and pastimes. The protection remains with the land even if its ownership changes.
The designation builds on many years of environmental and community activity across the site.
Harding’s Pits Doorstep Green was created following grant funding secured by the Borough Council from the Countryside Agency in 2004 and has been managed with significant voluntary input from Harding’s Pits Community Association. Its purpose includes providing natural vegetation and encouraging biodiversity and wildlife habitats.
The council has also supported the creation of the South Lynn Community Orchard, with plans developed for mixed fruit trees and community involvement in planting and ongoing maintenance. The project was designed to deliver benefits including improved biodiversity, carbon sequestration and increased tree canopy cover.
The area also includes Beuys’ Acorns, part of an environmental art project inspired by artist Joseph Beuys. The project involves oak trees grown from acorns connected to Beuys’ 7,000 Oaks project and was developed as a symbol of the greening of King’s Lynn and wider care for the environment.
Cllr Michael de Whalley, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity at the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, said:
“This is very welcome news for South Lynn and an important final step in a journey that the community has been pursuing for at least 30 years.
“Harding’s Pits and the surrounding green spaces are valued places for local people to enjoy and important habitats where nature can flourish. Village Green designation gives the land a very high level of statutory protection, helping to safeguard it for generations to come.
“I’m particularly pleased that we have been able to bring this forward following the adoption of our new Local Plan, which removed the previous development allocation affecting land that now forms the Beuys’ Acorns Oak Circle.
“The designation supports the council’s Corporate Strategy priorities to Protect our environment, helping to create a cleaner, greener and better protected West Norfolk and supporting our communities.
“I would like to thank Harding’s Pits Association, Borough Council officers and Norfolk County Council for their commitment and support in making this happen.”
The registered Village Green encompasses Beuys’ Acorns, Harding’s Pits and South Lynn Community Orchard and sits within the South and West Lynn ward.
Find out more about the green spaces and environmental projects: