Norfolk Trails, Martineau Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 2DH Tel: 0344 800 8020 E-mail: [email protected] ISSUE 21 This Issue: Google Trekker 2 For the past year Norfolk Trails have been working New Norwich 4 Cycle Map with the Google Street View team to help collect Pushing Ahead 4 Project Update thousands of images so Marriott’s Way 5 that you will be able to Heritage Work virtually experience 360 Volunteering 6 views of our trails via Opportunities Google Maps. Training the 8 Trails Team Access 8 This project has a slightly Improvements different twist to the usual Marriott’s Way 9 Google Street View image Education collection normally done via Norwich 9 cameras mounted to the top of Munzee a car. Instead Google have Coastal 10 Treasures designed a more portable unit Boudicca Way 11 to allow images to be collected Improvements from more difficult off road trails and more challenging environments that NBIS Events 12 can then be viewed in the Street View format. The Google Trekker for trails is a global phenomenon has already been to amazing places such as Antarctica, Machu Picchu, the Grand Canyon and now Norfolk! The actual Google Trekker rig consists of a backpack containing two Lithium Ion batteries and an upper frame camera rig consisting of 15 camera at five megapixels each, capturing a frame every two seconds and giving off a 360 panoramic view of the location. The cameras are surrounded by a protective metal sphere to stop the cameras getting damaged and once assembled the rig weighs approx. 25kgs. www.norfolk.gov.uk/trails 1 The rig looks visually impressive and would not look out of place if you saw it in science fiction film, and as the camera sphere was often the first thing that appears above the horizon we were often stopped by members of the public to inquire what we had on backs or followed by inquisitive dogs not sure whether to bark at us or run away (usually both). Amusingly many comments from the public assumed we were wearing a jetpack of some kind! The Norfolk Trails Team have now trekked the entirety of both of Norfolk’s National Trails which includes 84miles of the Norfolk Coast Path and 46miles of the Peddars Way. And in addition to the National Trails we also Google Trekked the Marriott’s Way (another 26miles). There were a few challenges during this project – weather being one of them, although the rig is robust enough to survive a few knocks it isn’t completely waterproof and any moisture or rain drops on the camera lenses would create poor images, so unfortunately (or fortunately) we were only allowed to trek when it was dry (and when the sun was shining!). We also had to contend with vegetation, low hanging branches where the rig could not fit under (and so we perfected a squat walk – very amusing to watch!). We also had falling leaves and twigs and spiders dropping over the cameras, surprise rain showers as well as the odd technical issue. The next stage is for the Google Street View team to look through all the images and apply their software that helps stitch those 15 cameras' images together for one image. The software also uses something called "ground fill," which makes an artificial floor for any Street View, so that if the person using the Trekker looks down at their feet, we won't see them. This process can take anywhere up to 6 months to complete so we are hoping to launch the Google Street View maps October 2018, so watch this space! 2 Our local Cromer based film maker, Chris Taylor, has also been out with the team to film us with the trekker. His video which will be used to promote the trails once the images are published by Google. We have now said our goodbyes to the trekker and have passed the unit to our colleague, Steve Tabbitt, at Thames Path National Trail is now preparing to trek 184 miles of the Thames National Trail from Cirencester to Greenwich which passes through the Cotswold AONB, North Wessex AONB, Chilterns AONB and the city of London. We wish him good luck and good weather for his trekking. Join the discussion #NorfolkTrekker 3 The trails team have been working with the Pushing Ahead team to produce a new walking and cycling map for Norwich. This will be the third map produced and will for the very first time include recreational cycle routes in the same way that the Great Yarmouth cycle map does. These four recreational cycle routes take in Loddon, Wymondham, the Marriotts Way and Ranworth and link into the cycle routes within the city. The map is a great addition for anyone who is looking for a slightly longer route but wants great countryside to enjoy. www.pushingaheadnorfolk.co.uk Calling all parents and grandparents... The cycling and walking team from Pushing Ahead will be at One Planet Norwich to help teach children to learn how to ride a bike. They will have a fun cycle course and balance bikes for children up to 6 years old, as well as lots of good advice for parents and adults thinking about trying out cycling too. Come and see them on Saturday 9th June. We’re also attending the Royal Norfolk show and will have a Pushing Ahead stand so come along and say hello. We will have a cycling activity for you to come and try! 2 big events in September – keep your eyes peeled on our @PushingAheadNfk facebook page or by visiting our website – www.pushingaheadnorfolk.co.uk We’ve also just launched Personal Journey Plans! If you’re not sure on how to get to your next medical appointment, or fancy walking to the office? Visit our website and complete a short questionnaire to receive your very own personalised journey plan; https://www.pushingaheadnorfolk.co.uk/personal-journey-plans/ 4 The trails team have been busy installing more new signage for the Marriott’s Way circular walks around the villages of Hellesdon, Reepham, Themelthorpe, Cawston and Aylsham. The walks are set to be fully installed and ready to use by the end of June. A downloadable booklet will be available on the Marriott’s Way Heritage Trail and the Norfolk Trails website. Information about the guided walks are now online on the ‘what’s on’ section of the Marriott’s Way Heritage Trail website (www.marriottsway.info) and places can be reserved by registering for a free ticket and following the Event Brite link. We’ve also completed resurfacing works to improve access on to the trail at the entrance to Marriott’s way in Aylsham and by the old station in Reepham. The team laid down a total of 9 tonnes of crushed granite to improve the quality of the trail surface during wet weather conditions. The Conservation volunteers (TCV) have been out to help the Marriott’s Way Heritage Trail project team to repair the old platform on Marriott’s Way in Hellesdon. A group of students from Easton College, looking to gain work experience, also joined the TCV on one of the days to help with laying bricks and repointing some of the old brick work. The work the TCV have carried out will pave the way for further surface repairs to the top of the platform which are set to get started by mid June. 5 Date Site Activity Site Meeting Point (if coming by car or bike) at 1pm Wed 6th Paston Way Can you rise(r) to the At the far (North) end of Mundesley challenge once again? Road (past the shop and past June Canal Steps Making repairs to worn Swafield Rise), North Walsham, out steps and risers. NR28 0DD (TG 285 314). Wed Stepping I’m not your stepping Layby where the Weavers Way (old 13th June Stone Lane stone – but this lane is! railway line) crosses the B1159 Step- Painting gates – weath- ping Stone Lane (next to Radiator er permitting… Cabinets shop), near Stalham, NR12 9EP (TG 364 256). Wed Honing Old Hardcore you know Weavers Way car park, Station Road 20th Station the score – tidying up between Meeting House Hill Road June (Briggate) loose bricks, painting and Corner Common Road, Brig- fences, cutting and rak- gate, near Honing, NR28 9QX ing up, etc (TG316276). Wed Tungate Inter-railing: installing Car park at the end of the Weavers 27th new railings on the old Way, Station Road, North Walsham, NR28 0NQ (TG275 300). June railway line. BOOKING If you are 16 or 17 you will need a parent or guardian to sign our permission form before you can get started - please con- tact us if you need one. Otherwise, you don’t usually have to book, but if you would find it helpful to ask us anything before coming on a project for the first time, please do contact us - see below. If you have any unspent convictions for sexual or violent offences you will not be able to volunteer with TCV. MEETING POINTS If you would like a map, or directions to the site, please contact us. FREE Minibus transport is available from outside stated pick-up points only, returning to the same place at the end of the session. We do our best to keep to time, but due to traffic etc, all timings are approximate. WE PROVIDE All tools, protective equipment and tea/coffee are provided, please bring your own snack or lunch for breaktime if you wish. If a site has toilets this is indicated on the programme by ‘WC’ in the ‘Site Meeting Point’ column.