£2 million of lottery funding to help create new nature reserve in Suffolk
It's hoped the the marshes will become a "haven for wildlife"
The Suffolk Wildlife Trust (SWT) has been awarded £2 million of funding, which will help create a new nature reserve in the county.
The money, from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will be used to make Worlingham Marshes, a new 381 acre nature reserve in the Broads National Park.
The charity says Worlingham Marshes will help provide wildlife in the county with "desperately" needed habitats that are more expansive, ecologically-rich, and better connected with other natural areas and wild landscapes.
The SWT says it will restore the marshes into a "haven for wildlife", where the many rare and declining species that were once common in the area can thrive again.
These species include lapwing, redshank, woodcock, otters and water voles.
Liz Shaw is Head of Engagement, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund: “We are delighted to support Suffolk Wildlife Trust 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.”
Matt Gooch will be overseeing conservation works on the new reserve: “Worlingham Marshes is a unique opportunity to develop a landscape-scale example of reversing wildlife decline and supporting nature to adapt to climate change.
"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.
"We are hugely grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for supporting our vision.”