The Shallows Lackford Lakes Jesse Walker
The damaging pesticide Thiamethoxan (known as neonics) has been approved by the Farming Minister for 'emergency' use on sugar beet crops despite an industry commitment to end reliance on the banned pesticide by 2023.
The Wildlife Trusts have launched a petition calling for better support for farmers who chose not to use this harmful chemical.
A young muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) has been spotted at Lackford Lakes.
The young deer has been spotted using the feeding stations at Lackford Lake Visitor Centre, the perfect place to enjoy a warm drink and get up close with local wildlife.
Introduced in the 20th Century muntjac can be a common sight in Suffolk. Suffolk Wildlife Trust Wardens closely monitor the number of muntjac on the nature reserves and manage the impact of the species at each site.
A curlew (Numenius arquata) listed as red on the Birds of Conservation Concern 5, has been sighted at Martlesham Wilds Nature Reserve. Earmarked as a 'space for nature to recover' the sighting of curlew on the reserve is a welcomed development.
Common curlew by Damian Waters
Martlesham Wilds - Charlie Zakss
Our wild engagement team have been busy prepping for half term activities in Ipswich.
The Wilder Communities team, Lucy and Faye have been busy preparing nest box kits and activities for the February half term. There are a great range of walks, talks, and activities across our nature reserve visitor centres for all ages and interests.
At Carlton Marshes nature reserve, the North East Reserves team worked with the Broads Authority to cut back cut back overhanging willow from Sluttons Dyke, between Oulton Dyke and our Carlton Marshes nature reserve.
Clearing the route for canoeists, some areas of the route were dense and overgrown making it difficult for navigation.
Credit Matt Gooch
West Suffolk Assistant Warden Linsey, took a boat trip on Plover Lake at Lackford Lakes to complete surveying work on an island within the reserve.
Lackford Lakes Jan 2024 (https://youtu.be/GPPW9JVcJv0)
Credit: Linsey Gray, West Suffolk Assistant Warden
In recent windy weather a few trees across Knettishall Heath have been affected. This includes a tree covered in Ivy next to the toilet block. The fallen tree has now been made safe and left in situ for wildlife to continue feasting on the berries.
Whilst it is sad when a tree that has stood for so long falls, it has given us a great opportunity to see close up how ivy uses trees to climb and support its growth.
Photos by Assistant warden David, and Engagement officer Lauren.
Opportunities for work experience at our Carlton Marshes and Lackford Lakes sites are now open for applications.
The work experience will take place over the Easter and Summer holidays, over two individual weeks. A maximum of 8 work experience placements will be allocated.
This is a great opportunity for students looking to learn what it's like to work at Suffolk's nature charity and gain practical experience in conservation, events, and outdoor learning.
Applications can be completed on our Work experience page.
Deadline for applications 25th February 2024.
Michael our Community Fundraising Manager, visited the Suffolk Building Society head office to thank them for their contribution towards restoring Martlesham Wilds.
In 2023 the Suffolk Building Society raised over £14,000 as part of their Saving Suffolk campaign in support of the Trust. Their contribution will help restore Martlesham Wilds, a new 289-acre nature reserve on the banks of the river Deben. The reserve will provided space for species including barn owl, curlew, yellowhammer, and fallow deer.
