Nature enhancement is a key part of our ongoing work to conserve and enhance the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape. 

Our Nature Network Officer, Alex Moore da Luz, provides a round-up from all of our nature enhancement projects and volunteer work parties for May 2024.

1 Stag Beetle Pyramid Building

Fantastic work by the volunteers in Sutton and at a wood in Chelmondiston, who helped to build a stag beetle palace. It was built on a dry patch of land on the edge of a beautiful wet woodland.

Anyone can make provision for stag beetles at home. Simply dig a hole 50cm deep and stand some wood in it (minimum size the width of your arm!).

Alternatively if you have limited outside space you can dig a hole large enough for a bucket full of woodchip. Dead wood simply placed on the ground is a great habitat too!

2 Suffolk Wildlife Trust

At Stanny Marshes, Iken, foot drains were created in the spring, funded by the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme and Environment Agency WEIF. These features provide excellent feeding opportunities for waders and their chicks.

Meanwhile, avocets are flourishing at Trimley Marshes nature reserve this year. There have been sightings of proud parents and their chicks stumbling around on a newly created island funded by the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.

3 Nature Network – Target Update

Target: The planting of at least 15km of mixed native species hedgerows in Sandlings Forest and Surrounding Areas by 2030

Progress: 2.52km to date. 12.48 still to go to achieve 2030 target. If you know of any suitable sites and willing recipients, please email [email protected].

4 Gardening for Wildlife

Everybody has a part to play in helping nature to flourish and I believe doing our bit for wildlife starts at home regardless of where you live.

Some of us are fortunate enough to have a garden like Simon Amstutz, National Landscapes Manager, who has kindly provided a image of his Colchester garden after No Mow May.

Allowing grasses and wildflowers to grow helps insects and other wildlife immensely and brings your lawn to life! Read more advice on our website.

5 Volunteer Work Parties in June 2024

• 7th June – Viking Forest, Shotley – Stag beetle pyramid building
• 14th June – Giffords Hall / Shelley Hall, Higham – Himalayan balsam control
• 21st June – Location tbc – Stag beetle pyramid building
• 28th June – Giffords Hall / Shelley Hall, Higham – Himalayan balsam control