This is an enormous milestone in our fundraising journey and we are so excited to be striding towards our £1 million target. Over 2,000 people have given their generous support for this exciting new space for nature and we cannot wait to see this already beautiful landscape flourish even further under our stewardship.
Helping us reach this milestone was a gift from the Banister Charitable Trust.
Michael Strand, Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Community Fundraising Manager, said “We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of support from people across Suffolk and beyond. This milestone keeps us on track towards our fundraising target, so thank you to everyone who has contributed so far. Martlesham Wilds will grow to become a great asset for the county, providing more space for everyone to enjoy nature, restoring threatened habitats and abundance of species, directly combating the effects of climate change and developing a healthier local economy. On that last point, we would like to encourage more Suffolk businesses to recognise their role in tackling the biodiversity and climate crises and look towards how they might support the campaign towards our next milestone - £1 million!”
At close to 300 acres, Martlesham Wilds will be a substantial addition to the spaces Suffolk Wildlife Trust has already added to its network of nature reserves over the years. It will provide a home for species such as curlew, avocet and redshank, as well as many reptiles, mammals and invertebrates. The land will return to a beautiful mosaic of habitats. Situated on the banks of the River Deben, the reserve is close to Woodbridge and Martlesham and within easy reach of Ipswich. It has lovely views across the estuary and combines gently rolling hillsides with patches of woodland and mature hedges as well as saltmarshes and grazing marshes. It’s already a valuable area for wildlife but will be even more so when the arable fields are returned to wildlife once more.
Following this year’s harvest, the arable fields will be left to gradually return to a patchwork of natural habitats, where differences in soils and moisture levels will mean that varied species of plants and animals will be able to thrive. As thickets of hawthorn, blackthorn, gorse and wild rose establish, they will support growing flocks of birds such as linnets and yellowhammers. Small mammals will flourish in the undergrowth and insects will abound. Generations of Suffolk residents, and visitors alike, will be able to watch wildlife take over and see the nature reserve evolve and change over time.
Thanks to a substantial legacy from Pam and George Ford as well as a philanthropic loan, we were able to secure the land. Fundraising will continue over the coming months as we seek further support to repay the loan.
If you can help by making a donation, please click here
Find out more about Martlesham Wilds in our Wildlife Live Webinar on Wednesday 5th April 2023.
