Reserves and species

Posted by suffolk
2011-05-03 14:19

Gunton Meadow

A mix of species-rich grassland, scrub and incredible ponds for newts

Reserve details
Trust: 
Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org
Size: 
2.00
Short Description: 
Gunton Meadow is part of a small network of wildlife rich habitats in north Lowestoft. Important for a variety of grassland species while the ponds support a large population of great crested newts.
Smartphone Description: 
Gunton Meadow is part of a small network of wildlife rich habitats in north Lowestoft. Important for a variety of grassland species while the ponds support a large population of great crested newts.
Location
Address: 
Leisure Way, Gunton, north Lowestoft
Town: 
Lowestoft
County: 
Suffolk
Postcode: 
NR32 4TZ
Grid ref: 
TM538960 <p>GPS Info<br> Reserve entrance just before Pleasurewood hills entrance. Parking on road.
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Dawn until dusk
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Yes
Access: 
No
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Street parking alongside
Walking information: 
Can be muddy
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Matt Gooch
Reserve phone number: 
01502 564250
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/reserves/gunton-meadow
Photos
Photo: 
Gunton Meadow
Species: 
Great Crested Newt
Common Spotted orchid
Green-winged Orchid
Best time to visit
Start: 
May
End: 
July
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by suffolk
2011-05-03 14:19

Black Bourn Valley

Wildflower meadows like a piece of forgotten Suffolk

The flowery riverside meadows at what was previously known as the Grove Farm nature reserve are already one of the largest and richest in central Suffolk.

And now, following a public campaign and legacies from Gerald Ford and Mary Newman, 70 acres of river valley have been added to the site to create a magnificent landscape for wildlife that sweeps down the valley sides with the Black Bourn at its heart.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org
Size: 
88.00
Short Description: 
There’s something special taking place in the Black Bourn Valley.
Smartphone Description: 
There’s something special taking place in the Black Bourn Valley.
Location
Address: 
Between Norton and Thurston
Town: 
Stowmarket
County: 
Suffolk
Postcode: 
IP31 3SQ
Grid ref: 
TL943650 <p>GPS Info<br> From A1088 head west towards Great green and Thurston. Car parking on left 100m beyond Barrell's lane junction.
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
No
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Off road
Walking information: 
Can be muddy
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
William Cranstoun
Reserve phone number: 
01284 728541
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/reserves/grove-farm
Photos
Photo: 
Species: 
Barn Owl
Yellowhammer
Linnet
Reed Bunting
Common Spotted orchid
Buzzard
Skylark
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by suffolk
2011-05-03 14:19

Groton Wood

Parking at the lay-by next to the entrance, it only takes a few steps to reach sun-dappled rides that burst with spectacular spring-time displays of bluebell, pignut and early-purple orchid. Those looking carefully in the shadier areas can also spot violet helleborine, woodruff and herb-paris.

The nectar-rich plants support a wide range of butterfly – 15 species have been recorded on the reserve – including brimstone, speckled wood and purple hairstreak, whose caterpillars feed on oak.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org
Size: 
20.00
Short Description: 
It shouldn’t really be possible to get lost in this fragment of ancient coppiced woodland. But with an atmospheric circular trail, criss-crossed by a network of paths made by exploring feet, deer and bulldozing badgers, Groton Wood really does feel much bigger than its 30 acres.
Smartphone Description: 
It shouldn’t really be possible to get lost in this fragment of ancient coppiced woodland. But with an atmospheric circular trail, criss-crossed by a network of paths made by exploring feet, deer and bulldozing badgers, Groton Wood really does feel much bigger than its 30 acres.
Location
Address: 
West of Kersey near Hadleigh
Town: 
Hadleigh
County: 
Suffolk
Postcode: 
IP7 6HD
Grid ref: 
TL976428 <p>GPS Info<br> Car park at the south western corner of the wood off Howe road.
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
No
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
At entrance to reserve
Walking information: 
Can be wet and muddy in the winter.
Contact details
Reserve phone number: 
01284 728541
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/reserves/groton-wood
Photos
Photo: 
Groton Wood
Species: 
Small-leaved Lime
Bluebell
Pignut
Early Purple Orchid
Wild Cherry
Great Crested Newt
Brimstone
Speckled Wood
Woodcock
Best time to visit
Start: 
March
End: 
September
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by suffolk
2011-05-03 14:19

Framlingham Mere

 
Framlingham is perfect for a famliy day out sight-seeing

Reserve details
Trust: 
Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org
Size: 
13.80
Short Description: 
With its surrounding wet meadows and ancient castle backdrop, the Mere at Framlingham is considered by many to be the best view in inland Suffolk.
Smartphone Description: 
With its surrounding wet meadows and ancient castle backdrop, the Mere at Framlingham is considered by many to be the best view in inland Suffolk. Its wildlife is equally special and the reserve is best known for its sedge beds - a rare habitat in Suffolk - and stream of migrating birds. There is a wonderful show of massed marsh marigolds, delicate ragged-robin and lady
Location
Address: 
New Road, Framlingham
Town: 
Framlingham
County: 
Suffolk
Postcode: 
IP13 9HW
Grid ref: 
TM283636 <p>GPS Info<br> Head north along new road turning right into public car park.
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
No
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Elms car park next to Mere
Walking information: 
Access via public footpaths. Difficult for those with poor mobility particularly in winter or wet weather as paths can be muddy and uneven.
Grazing animals: 
Cattle graze areas
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Alan Miller
Reserve phone number: 
01502 478788
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/reserves/framlingham-mere
Photos
Photo: 
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
September
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by suffolk
2011-05-03 14:19

Fox Fritillary Meadow

Displays of up to 300,000 nodding purple-chequered and white flower heads

Reserve details
Trust: 
Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org
Size: 
2.40
Short Description: 
Fox Fritillary Meadow is an ancient floodplain. It is the largest of four remaining sites for the snake's head fritillary in Suffolk.
Smartphone Description: 
Fox Fritillary Meadow is an ancient floodplain. It is the largest of four remianing sites for the snake's head fritillary in Suffolk. In spring the emergence of the grass-like foliage is soon followed by displays of up to 300,000 nodding purple-chequered and white flower heads in mid-April to early May
Location
Address: 
Near Framsden
Town: 
Stowmarket
County: 
Suffolk
Grid ref: 
TM188607
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Visiting this meadow is only possible at an annual open event which we aim to hold during the fritillary flowering period (usually mid to late April). For more information please telephone 01473 890089. Uneven and sloping path can be muddy.
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Guide Dogs only
Access: 
No
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Only by arrangement
Walking information: 
Access grass/track and steep slope, 400 metres from parking to meadow. To avoid damage to the flora and hay crop, please keep to the edge of the meadow. Ground conditions can be very wet.
Grazing animals: 
Sheep graze after hay cut
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Reserve phone number: 
01473 890089
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/reserves/fox-fritillary-meadow
Photos
Photo: 
Fox Fritillary Meadow
Species: 
Snake's-head Fritillary
Cowslip
Cuckooflower
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
May
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by suffolk
2011-05-03 14:19

Foxburrow Farm

Reserve details
Trust: 
Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org
Size: 
67.00
Short Description: 
A mosaic of farmland and wildlife habitats, the farmed land at this site is a mixture of arable and grazing land managed using the wildlife friendly farming practices.
Smartphone Description: 
A mosaic of farmland and wildlife habitats, the farmed land at this site is a mixture of arable and grazing land managed using the wildlife friendly farming practices. It has an education centre, the first education centre to be opened in Suffolk. The classroom provides a fantastic indoor setting for wet weather activities whilst farmyards and outbuildings can also be used for group activities
Location
Address: 
Foxburrow Farm, Saddlemakers Lane, Melton
Town: 
Woodbridge
County: 
Suffolk
Postcode: 
IP12 1NA
Grid ref: 
TM274517 <p>GPS Info<br> Head east off A12 along New Road following brown signposts to Foxburrow Farm
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
Picnic area
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
Yes Toilets
Disabled toilet: 
Disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
No
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
The education centre is wheelchair accessible with a disabled toilet. Laminated trails are available in the car park, including a wheelchair and pushchair accessible trail.
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Follow signs from Saddlemakers Lane
Walking information: 
Site can be muddy and uneven.
Grazing animals: 
Sheep graze
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Sandlings Team
Reserve phone number: 
01394 388431
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/reserves/foxburrow-farm
Photos
Photo: 
Species: 
Spotted Flycatcher
Great Crested Newt
Best time to visit
Start: 
March
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
Charges apply for school visits to the education centre
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by suffolk
2011-05-03 14:19

Dunwich Forest

A perfect place to walk in the woods

Reserve details
Trust: 
Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org
Size: 
270.00
Short Description: 
With Dartmoor ponies grazing the open areas, Dunwich Forest is being transformed from a conifer plantation into a rich mosaic of woodpasture, wet woodland and heathland.
Smartphone Description: 
With Dartmoor ponies grazing the open areas, Dunwich Forest is being transformed from a conifer plantation into a rich mosaic of woodpasture, wet woodland and heathland.
Location
Address: 
Near Dunwich village
Town: 
Southwold
County: 
Suffolk
Postcode: 
IP17 3DZ
Grid ref: 
TM467710 <p>GPS Info<br> Look for forestry car park on left hand side 500m before Dunwich on Westleton road
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Café / Refreshments: 
No
Picnic Area: 
Picnic area
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Yes
Access: 
Yes
Access info: 
Access via forest rides, Radar gate on Sandlings walk entrance, all other kissing gates motorised wheel chair/buggy accessible. Some rides may be difficult for non-motorised wheel chairs, particularly in wet weather/winter
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Park in Forestry Commission car park off Blythburgh Road or Dunwich Beach car park
Walking information: 
Generally dry, but some rides difficult in wet weather/winter
Grazing animals: 
Dartmoor ponies graze the open woodland
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Alan Miller
Reserve phone number: 
01502 478788
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/reserves/dunwich-forest
Photos
Photo: 
Dunwich Forest
Species: 
Gorse
Siskin
White Admiral
Adder
Noctule Bat
Red Deer
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
September
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by suffolk
2011-05-03 14:19

Dingle Marshes

But Dingle Marshes, a 229 acre mixture of coastal and freshwater habitats, moody heathland and atmospheric forest, can get you breathtakingly close.
Parking at Dunwich beach, it is just a few steps to reach the mile-long shingle ridge that makes up the reserve’s seaward side, a shifting path bordered by foaming waves and saline lagoons.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org
Size: 
93.00
Short Description: 
That spine-tingling experience of genuine wilderness is a pretty rare thing.
Smartphone Description: 
This reserve is a magnet for breeding and wintering wildfowl and wading birds including the elegant avocet, lapwing and redshank. Otters and water voles also live here and the site is internationally important for starlet sea anemone- the rarest sea anemone in the UK
Location
Address: 
Beach Road, Dunwich (Look for forestry car park on left hand side 500m before Dunwich on Westleton road (for bird-hide access) or Dunwich beach car park for coastal views. )
Town: 
Southwold
County: 
Suffolk
Postcode: 
IP17 3DZ
Grid ref: 
TM479708
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
No
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Forest Enterprise car park off Blythburgh Road (for bird-hide access) & Dunwich Beach car park.
Walking information: 
Difficult access for those with poor mobility. Long distance path with 30% on shingle.
Grazing animals: 
Cattle graze areas
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Alan Miller
Reserve phone number: 
01502 478788
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/reserves/dingle-marshes
Photos
Photo: 
Dingle Marshes
Species: 
Bittern
Marsh Harrier
Otter
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
September
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by suffolk
2011-05-03 14:19

Darsham Marshes

Both tranquil and delightfully lonely, this atmospheric reserve truly is a snapshot of unspoilt Suffolk and one of the county’s best kept conservation secrets – consisting of a lush mosaic of marsh and fen that provide a rich habitat for a wealth of wildlife.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org
Size: 
20.00
Short Description: 
The first sight of Darsham Marshes is enough to take the breath away.
Smartphone Description: 
This reserve consists of grassland and wetland, and a network of dykes and two ponds provide a rich habitat for a wealth of waterlife. Evidence of otters are often seen and water voles are often heard diving into the water. In winter, hen harrier are on patrol and snipe scan for food along the edges of pools and ditches
Location
Address: 
Westleton Road, off the A12 just north of Yoxford (Heading east from A12, turn right in to dirt/grass track immediately after semi-detached red-brick houses. Park on left and walk past metal gate along track to reserve entrance)
Town: 
Saxmundham
County: 
Suffolk
Postcode: 
IP17 3BS
Grid ref: 
TM420692
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Guide Dogs only
Access: 
No
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Park in small area off Yoxford Road
Walking information: 
Difficult access for those with poor mobility. Uneven and very wet ground
Grazing animals: 
Cattle graze areas
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
Alan Miller
Reserve phone number: 
01502 478788
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/reserves/darsham-marshes
Photos
Photo: 
Species: 
Marsh-marigold
Hairy dragonfly
Grass Snake
Redwing
Reed Warbler
Sedge Warbler
Otter
Water Vole
Best time to visit
Start: 
April
End: 
July
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve
Posted by suffolk
2011-05-03 14:19

Cornard Mere

Barely a stone’s throw from its urban neighbours this reserve, lying near the banks of the River Stour, is special for its mix of open water, fen and wet scrub. Reed sweet-grass and common reed often dominate, providing nesting sites for reed bunting, sedge and reed warbler.

Reserve details
Trust: 
Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Trust Website: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org
Size: 
6.00
Short Description: 
Lying near the banks of the River Stour, this reserve is special for its mix of open water, fen and wet scrub.
Smartphone Description: 
Lying near the banks of the River Stour, this reserve is special for its mix of open water, fen and wet scrub. Various plant species occur, such as reed sweet-grass and common reed that provide nesting sites for reed bunting, sedge and reed warbler. Pied wagtail, fieldfare and redwing roost in the willow scrub in winter
Location
Address: 
Bures Road, Cornard
Town: 
Sudbury
County: 
Suffolk
Postcode: 
CO10 0NL
Grid ref: 
TL886386 <p>GPS Info<br>Park at Great Cornard country park situated on Blackhouse lane and take footpaths south and west to view reserve.
Facilities
Visitor centre: 
No
Shop: 
No shop
Picnic Area: 
No
Opening hours: 
Open at all times
Toilets: 
No toilets
Disabled toilet: 
No disabled toilet
Baby changing facilities: 
No baby changing facilities
Dogs: 
Dogs must be on lead
Access: 
No
Parking: 
Yes
Parking info: 
Park in Great Cornard Country Park or off B1508 between Blackhouse Lane and Keddington Hill
Walking information: 
Can be muddy
Contact details
Reserve manager: 
William Cranstoun
Reserve phone number: 
01284 728541
Reserver deep link: 
http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/reserves/cornard-mere
Photos
Photo: 
Cornard Mere
Species: 
Silver Y
Snipe
Water Rail
Best time to visit
Start: 
May
End: 
August
Admission
Admission fee?: 
No
Admission amount: 
no
Location type: 
Wildlife or nature reserve