Over 1,700 people across Suffolk have given their support for this exciting new nature reserve. 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 patchwork of fields will gradually wild into 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 thrive 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.
Michael Strand, Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Community Fundraising Manager, said “We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of support from people across Suffolk. This milestone keeps us right 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 in nature for everyone, restoring the abundance of threatened habitats and 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 supporting the biodiversity and climate crises and look towards how they might support the campaign towards our next milestone of £500K.”
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: