Team effort creates new access at Trust reserve
Thursday 20th October 2016
Now it’s even easier to enjoy the wildlife at Lound Lakes nature reserve
Suffolk Wildlife Trust is delighted to unveil a new easy-access boardwalk at its beautiful Lound Lakes nature reserve. The reserve, near Lowestoft is cared for by the Trust on behalf of Essex & Suffolk Water who have funded the new stretch of boardwalk, made from robust recycled plastic.
The new pathway will enable visitors to access stunning views across the lakes (where much of the drinking water for Lowestoft is stored). From this vantage point visitors will be able to soak up the feel of the site with lakes stretching out over both sides of the walkway. With a little patience you may even be lucky enough to spot one of its most colourful residents – the kingfisher.
To mark the unveiling of the new pathway Suffolk Wildlife Trust staff were joined by a team of volunteers from Suffolk Highways, a partnership between Suffolk County Council and Kier, who have provided their time and skills to install the boardwalk. The team have worked incredibly hard to have the boardwalk ready in time for half-term visitors – the path is fully accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Rob Walters, representing Suffolk Highways said: “Without exception, all of the volunteers involved with the construction of the new boardwalk at Lound, have really enjoyed the experience.
It has been an excellent opportunity for individuals to work as a team with other members of Suffolk Highways who they wouldn’t normally work with on a day to day basis, whilst at the same time helping to improve access for visitors to Lound Lakes.”
Michael Strand, development manager at Suffolk Wildlife Trust added: “this really is a terrific team effort all round – it’s a perfect example of how partnerships with the business community are helping conservation across the county. Both Essex &Suffolk Water and Suffolk Highways appreciate the importance of making a space for nature that benefits people and wildlife. By combining knowledge, funding and practical skills in this way we have made a huge difference to the visitor experience at Lound lakes nature reserve.”
Since management of the site was taken on by Suffolk Wildlife Trust in 2012 its importance for wildlife has become ever-more apparent. Throughout the summer hobbies can be spotted soaring high above the lakes feasting on insects and we even enjoy regular sightings of the magnificent osprey. The reserve sits on the doorstep of the country’s most wildlife-rich national park - recent studies have shown that the Broads National Park is home to a staggering 25% of the country’s rarest species.
Essex & Suffolk Water work closely with Suffolk Wildlife Trust and their kind funding of the new pathway means even more visitors will be able to appreciate the wild beauty of this hard-working nature reserve. Its location between Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth puts it within reach of the residents of both towns and its education centre is often used as a base for activities that introduce children to the wonders of the natural world. Oliver Rogers from Essex & Suffolk Water said: “We are always keen to see improvements made to sites like Lound Lakes and this new path will allow more visitors to really experience and access wildlife and the natural environment in a much easier way.
“The partnership working is really important for Essex & Suffolk Water and Suffolk Wildlife Trust have developed a strong set of partnerships that have delivered results for wildlife in Suffolk. I’d like to thank Suffolk Highways for working hard and helping to install this new path,” he added.
Carl Herrington is the reserve warden at Lound Lakes, with responsibility for its day to day management. He said: “The new path is a great addition, I hope it encourages more people to come along and discover the reserve. We’re very thankful to the team from Suffolk Highways – we couldn’t have done it without them.”
As a visitor to Lound Lakes in the autumn you can enjoy spectacular displays of autumn colours as the trees turn, as well as hunting out emerging fungi. As temperatures drop we will begin to see the return of our winter migrants - we’re hoping to see thrushes returning any day now... Lound Lakes is open every day of the year and is free to visit.
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