On Sunday 1st September, the Marshland Histories project was launched with a free all-day event at Carlton Marshes which included an exhibition and presentations inviting local residents to share their memories and stories of village life.
The event marked the beginning of a story-gathering exercise from residents of villages from Carlton Colville to Worlingham to contribute to a new series of oral history podcasts about people, places, and the surrounding marshland.
Devised for Suffolk Wildlife Trust by Poetry People, and has been made possible with the support of Heritage Fund, the project will be led by Carlton Colville-born writer Dean Parkin who has created a number of local history projects, films, and recording that preserve the heritage of local communities.
Vicky Eyles, Wilder Communities Officer at Suffolk Wildlife Trust said: "With the Trust’s creation of a new nature reserve at Worlingham Marshes, we have the opportunity to improve the area for both wildlife and local people alike, facilitating nature-connection through a variety approaches. There are deep layers of history within the landscape of the Waveney Valley - the marshes have seen tremendous changes, we hope to capture and share some of these stories, engaging locals and visitors to the area."
Dean Parkin said: "I'm excited to get the chance to shine a spotlight on the village where I grew up and where three generations of my family have lived. I'm really looking forward to hearing stories of other people’s childhoods, memories of the local shops and pubs, farming across the seasons, and different experiences of the marshes and wildlife. If you can bring a photo or object that helps tell your story, please do!"
Marshland Histories will be launched online, on Facebook, YouTube, and the Poetry People and Suffolk Wildlife Trusts websites in early 2025.
If you are a resident - or an ex-resident - of the Lower Waveney Valley and would like to share your memories or stories, get in touch with the Poetry People: