The visiting researchers are looking to set up an area in northern Japan to encourage the breeding of the eastern marsh harrier which is currently a rare and declining species in the county. They heard how western marsh harriers had been such a success story at Carlton Marshes and wanted to learn how we created and maintain the landscape for the benefit of the harriers.

They were fascinated by how Petos Marsh has become prime habitat for breeding marshe harrier just 6 years after being an agricultural farm - and how the marsh also serves as a flood defence for local communities. They were very impressed with this aspect of our habitat creation and have been inspired to try a similar approach for their area in Japan.

Gavin Durrant - Broads Warden at Suffolk Wildlife Trust - who guided the researchers visit says:

"Questions were flying back and forth between us through an interpreter and I believe I learnt just as much about their eastern marsh harrier as they did about ours.

"It was the first time I had worked on something like this through an interpreter which I found required intense concentration as it was easy to lose your train of thought when constantly having to pause and wait for the translation!

"The marsh harriers performed brilliantly for our guests and they were surprised by how close they nested to footpaths. They were taking copious notes and voice recordings as well as video of the harriers and the habitat.

"After the site tour, we returned to the visitor centre to enjoy refreshments and they were really impressed with how we encourage young people and families through education, events and the use of volunteers to appreciate nature and their surroundings.

"It was incredible to spend time with like minded people from the other side of the world and certainly made it a day to remember for me; they have promised to keep me informed on their progress!"