The open, dry ground which used to be a car park at Knettishall Heath has attracted some exciting visitors. Assistant Warden David Stansfeld has spotted a ruby-tailed cuckoo wasp and a large colony of bee wolves making their homes in the sand.

This week the team at Trimley Marshes were thrilled to observe oystercatchers, little grebe nests, and a great crested grebe with a chick.

The team at Trimley Marshes have been cutting back white poplar suckers that were spreading out from the woodland edge. If left, these would out compete the pyramidal, bee orchids, and other flowers growing there by blocking the sunlight and dropping leaves that will form a nutrient layer and suppress their growth. 

There are lovely displays of butterflies across our reserves at the moment. If you enjoy spotting and identifying butterflies, why not take part in Butterfly Conservation’s 'Big Butterfly Count' which starts today!
To find out more, visit: www.bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/

Martlesham Wilds Engagement Officer, Charlie Zakss, had a great day at Kesgrave Fun Day and making bug and bee homes and spreading the important message about turning a part of your own garden into a nature reserve, so we can help wildlife where we live. She was delighted to meet so many families passionate about making a difference for wildlife, and telling them about our new nearby nature reserve Martlesham Wilds!  

Warden Lewis Yates completed repairs and improvements to cattle fencing on Petos Marsh this week. This will prevent cattle from trampling on lapwing and avocet nests during the nesting period and so increasing productivity (fledged chicks per nest). Carlton Marshes is proud to be one of the most productive sites in Suffolk.