Levington Lagoon
"Simply one of the best places for estuarine birds on the Orwell."
This brackish lagoon by the River Orwell was formed as a result of a breach in the sea wall during the notorious 1953 floods, which affected much of the east coast of England. This sensitive site is a magnet for breeding, wintering and passage estuarine birds of which there are exceptional numbers and variety.
For this reason Levington Lagoon makes a fantastic bird-watching site throughout the year. Seasonal specialities include greenshank, spotted redshank, dunlin, short-eared owl and flocks of pipit. You may also be lucky enough to spot kingfisher which seem to be something of a ‘regular’ here!
Saltmarsh plants include lilac drifts of sea lavender (which unlike its inland cousin has no scent) and sea purslane.
Suffolk Wildlife Trust looks after this site by controlling water levels via a system of sluices toencourage wading birds.
Levington Lagoon is cared for by Suffolk Wildlife Trust on behalf of Suffolk Yacht Harbour Ltd.
Other Trust reserves nearby: Trimley Marshes
Special dates for your diaries
Best time to visit
All year
Site Manager:
Mick's blog - follow Mick's work at Trust nature reserves.
- Address
Near Levington
Map › - Grid reference
TM 239385 - Map
OS Landranger 169 - Parking
Off road at head of Levington Creek by footpath - Size
0.3 hectares (0.75 acres) - Local Facilities
Local pub nearby - Walking conditions
Can be wet & muddy - Dogs
Sorry no dogs, sensitive site - STAR SPECIES
Sea lavender
Grey
Dunlin - Status
SSSI - Site of Special Scientific InterestA site of national importance identified by Natural England for its ecological or geological value.
Natura 2000 siteSites of European importance which host priority habitat types or priority species which are particularly at risk.
