The West Suffolk Team have been installing a new pond at Black Bourn Valley this week. New ponds are dug where they can provide links to other ponds and terrestrial habitats to create strong habitat networks. They should also be away from large trees to avoid leaves filling the pond, usually in low ground to enable it to retain water for longer periods. 

Pond creation is contributing to the efforts of reversing the current human-induced decline in biodiversity. Ponds in Suffolk support threatened wildlife including great crested newt, turtle dove, rare stoneworts and host of other species, as well as providing a range of resources and habitats for our more common species. Important for birds, bats, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, plants, algae and many others, clean water ponds cannot be underestimated for their wildlife value. 

Once an arable farm, we have been ‘wilding’ Black Bourn Valley. Fields have been left to revert naturally and at present are dominated by plants such as bristly oxtongue and thistle which attract yellowhammer, linnet and goldfinch while skylark can be seen hovering above the open fields.   

The Lackford Lakes team have been coppicing around the lake edges. Coppicing is undertaken at this time of year to minimise disturbance to wildlife. One useful bi-product of coppicing trees is not only the vigorous regrowth from the tree stumps but also long lengths of willow. The team have installed new willow fencing along the edge of the lakeside trail, repurposing the willow left over from reserve management. This will not only act a screen to reduce disturbance to birds on the nearby water but also habitat for insects such as spiders and sawflies.

The frosty mornings made for some spectacular views at Lackford Lakes this week as captured by Warden Joe Bell-Tye.

The leaves of lords-and-ladies (also known as cuckoo-pint) are just starting to poke up through the ground, like these at Black Bourn Valley. In April the plants form unusual flowers with a pale green sheath surrounding a spike of tiny, yellow flowers. This spike eventually forms a familiar, short stalk of striking red berries. 

Solitary in summer, roe deer form small, loose groups in winter, like these four seen at Black Bourn Valley. Roe deer live in areas of mixed countryside that includes woodland, farmland, grassland and heathland. They eat buds and leaves from trees and shrubs, as well as ferns, grasses and heathers. The males have relatively short antlers, typically with three points. 

Warden Andy and the brilliant Lound Lakes volunteers cleared the path at Bloodman's Corner to make access a little easier.