BBC Norfolk: A Week On The Wensum

The River Wensum is being explored by BBC Radio Norfolk's Graham & Karen

Prior to Springwatch 2009 at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, BBC Radio Norfolk hosts A Week On The Wensum.

Graham Barnard and Karen Buchanan follow the river's path from its source in East Raynham on Monday, 18 May to its end on Friday, 22 May, 2009.

They will seek out the places that make the Wensum valley a hidden treasure.

"We are looking forward to meeting interesting people and seeking out traditional ways of life that still exist," said Graham.

Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, home of Springwatch 2009, has the River Wensum running straight through its 600 acre (240 ha) site.

However, the Wensum Valley stretches for miles across Norfolk from East Raynham, near Fakenham, to where it joins the River Yare in Norwich.

Between 10am and 1pm each day, BBC Radio Norfolk's Graham Barnard and Karen Buchanan will broadcast from different locations along the river, discovering the smaller communities that live, work and play along the valley.

The River Wensum

A WEEK ON THE WENSUM: Monday, 18 May, 2009: East Raynham Estate and Sculthorpe Moor Tuesday, 19 May, 2009: Great Ryburgh Wednesday, 20 May, 2009: North Elmham Thursday, 21 May, 2009: Swanton Morley Friday, 22 May, 2009: Norwich - Norwich Yacht Station to Whitlingham

The source of the River Wensum has a rather grand location.

Raynham Hall, just southwest of Fakenham, is the 17th Century retreat of the Marquis of Townshend. The Raynham Estate covers the first seven miles of the River Wensum and its charming location is an ideal spot to start the Wensum tour.

On Monday, 18 May, 2009, Graham and Karen will be coming live from the beautiful Raynham Estate with Lord Charles Raynham as their host. They'll discover this tucked away corner of Norfolk and maybe enjoy a picnic by the lake too.

From there the river turns south and heads towards the charming village of Great Ryburgh, famed for its historic Maltings. Karen Buchanan will be based at the village's Blue Boar Inn to uncover the villagers' community spirit.

The river continues onwards to the historic village of North Elmham. The Morning Show team, along with local TV historian Bryan McNerney, will be broadcasting live from the Norman Cathedral ruins. Graham will also be playing with a life-sized train set as he visits the village's County School Station.

On Thursday, 21 May, 2009, they roll into Swanton Morley for some fun and games with a spot of fishing and a canoe ride along the Wensum. The antiques phone-in with expert Mike Hicks will also be broadcast live from the village.

To end the week in style, the Morning Show's Ladies at Lunch will be joining Graham and Karen for a cruise aboard the Morning Show boat, as they journey through Norwich on the River Wensum. Along the way they'll be meeting those that actually live on the river.

A Week On The Wensum will come to an end as the river flows out of the city via Trowse to Whitlingham, where it merges with the River Yare.

BBC Radio Norfolk's Morning Show with Graham Barnard and Karen Buchanan will broadcast A Week On The Wensum between 10am and 1pm between Monday, 18 to Friday, 22 May, 2009.