3 World War II use During World War II this area was used extensively for military training. There are the remains of ammunition stores dug into the hillside. A fascinating and detailed account of this is given in the by local historian Russell Reeve. publication ‘Happy Valley’ 4 Modern use Happy Valley and the associated woods provide an important resource for the community in terms of recreation, local history and heritage. The overriding management aim has sought to retain the character of the semi-natural woodlands by controlling the encroachment of invasive species such as sycamore and alexander in favour of the natural regeneration with occasional planting of native trees. Attempts to enhance the character of the open area by controlling the spread of bracken and other scrub in favour of species rich grassland has only been partially successful largely due to erratic maintenance. The cliff top complex as a whole provides about 8Ha of important recreational space for residents and visitors and is routinely used by local dog walkers. There are spectacular views of the town, Cromer Pier and the sea and Cromer lighthouse forms a prominent feature in the landscape. 5 Access Pedestrian access is available from Overstrand Road adjacent to Cromer Country Club and from the East Cliff Path leading from Cromer. There is also pedestrian access from the Warren which adjoins Overstrand Road opposite the cricket ground. There is no official access from the east along the cliffs because the public right of way that once existed has long since fallen over the cliff. The Golf Club do not encourage people to attempt to walk along the cliff top next to the golf course. However walkers wishing to walk eastwards to Overstrand village may use one of the two flights of steps descending the cliff to the beach from Happy Valley. The western end of the site has tar-paved paths assisting access by people with disabilities. Much of the site however has informal paths which can be uneven and sloping.
3 World War II use During World War II this area was used extensively for military training. There are the remains of ammunition stores dug into the hillside. A fascinating and detailed account of this is given in the publication ‘Happy Valley’ by local historian Russell Reeve. 4 Modern use Happy Valley and the associated woods provide an important resource for the community in terms of recreation, local history and heritage. The overriding management aim has sought to retain the character of the semi-natural woodlands by controlling the encroachment of invasive species such as sycamore and alexander in favour of the natural regeneration with occasional planting of native trees. Attempts to enhance the character of the open area by controlling the spread of bracken and other scrub in favour of species rich grassland has only been partially successful largely due to erratic maintenance. The cliff top complex as a whole provides about 8Ha of important recreational space for residents and visitors and is routinely used by local dog walkers. There are spectacular views of the town, Cromer Pier and the sea and Cromer lighthouse forms a prominent feature in the landscape. 5 Access Pedestrian access is available from Overstrand Road adjacent to Cromer Country Club and from the East Cliff Path leading from Cromer. There is also pedestrian access from the Warren which adjoins Overstrand Road opposite the cricket ground. There is no official access from the east along the cliffs because the public right of way that once existed has long since fallen over the cliff. The Golf Club do not encourage people to attempt to walk along the cliff top next to the golf course. However walkers wishing to walk eastwards to Overstrand village may use one of the two flights of steps descending the cliff to the beach from Happy Valley. The western end of the site has tar-paved paths assisting access by people with disabilities. Much of the site however has informal paths which can be uneven and sloping.
happy-valley-management-plan2016.docx