New Suffolk wetland receives major £2m boost

Exciting plans for a new wetland reserve in Suffolk have been boosted by a £2-million grant.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust (SWT) has received the money from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the establishment of Worlingham Marshes, near Beccles. The plans will see some 150 ha within the Lower Waveney Valley and the Broads National Park become a "corridor of wildlife".

SWT's Matt Gooch said it could "develop a landscape-scale example of reversing wildlife decline, supporting nature to adapt to climate change".

Common Redshank is one of the species that is hoped to benefit from the creation of Worlingham Marshes (Neil Loverock).

Big plans for Worlingham Marshes

"Less than 3% of land in Suffolk is reserved for nature, therefore we are very excited about the opportunity to protect more of the beautiful Waveney Valley, allowing more space for nature to thrive," said Mr Gooch.

"We are hugely grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for supporting our vision."

Various wetland species, including waders, are hoped to benefit from the new habitat.

New habitat for waders

Liz Shaw, from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "We are delighted to support SWT with this ambitious project. Worlingham Marshes forms a vital habitat connection along the river valley, and through this project we hope to support the renewal of the area for wildlife, residents, and visitors.

"The development of large-scale nature corridors is so important in combatting our declining natural heritage, and it's thanks to National Lottery players that we are able to fund Worlingham Marshes."