Towards the end of June our Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve has seen the influx of multiple vagrant emperor dragonflies. 

These long-distance migrants originate from arid areas in North Africa and take advantage of southerly winds from the Sahara. These dragonflies don't appear every year and were last seen at Carlton 4 years ago.

More than 10 individuals are present currently and have been observed ovipositing (egg laying) where, unlike our native emperors, the male clasps the back of the head of the female while she lays her eggs both underwater and in damp, muddy holes. Their larvae grow very quickly, and the next generation of adults could emerge in Sept/Oct and continue their migration to pastures new. 

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) have returned to our Worlingham Marshes nature reserve as part of the cuckoo tracking project. 

Last year two cuckoos were tagged with trackers which transmitted their locations allowing researchers to gain valuable insights into the migration habitats of cuckoos. 

This year a further two cuckoos were tagged; Arthur and Ashok’s locations are now available to view on the BTO website. Keep an eye on the website BTO's website throughout the year to keep track of their epic migration.

Staff from across the county gathered at our Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre for our bi-annual staff away day. 

This was an opportunity to connect with different members of staff and delve deeper into our charity activities across the county. The day included presentations from different departments including Planning and Advocacy, Wilder Landscapes, and a spotlight on our newest campaign – Mission 2030. 

The presentations were followed by a walk around the reserve, where staff had the opportunity to spot the elusive fen raft spider other species on the reserve. 

241 ponds. 15 volunteers. 7 staff. 1 iconic species.

A huge thank you to our amazing team of volunteers and staff who helped survey 241 ponds across Suffolk for great crested newt eDNA this spring. From mid-April to mid-June, our Wilder Landscape team and volunteers braved the weather, navigated farmland, and worked together to protect one of Suffolk’s most distinctive and iconic species.

This was a mammoth task, but also a joyful one — being out in nature, nurturing the wild edges of our county, and contributing to Natural England’s habitat preservation efforts.

We’re proud to be part of this landscape-scale conservation work. And we’re especially grateful to every volunteer who gave their time, energy, and muddy boots to make it happen.

Watch our Farm Adviser Maddie’s video for a snapshot into this survey work 

Our Broads Warden, Gavin, hosted three Japanese researchers from the Wild Bird Society of Japan (part of BirdLife International) at our Carlton Marshes nature reserve to learn about the habitat requirements for successful breeding of marsh harriers. 

The 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 their country.

Read more about the visit here

Our teams at Foxburrow and Lackford Nature reserves have been taking part in the 30 Days Wild. An annual campaign from the Wildlife Trusts to do something ‘wild’ every day or as regularly as possible in the month of June! 

From cloud watching to insect surveys, you can find inspiration to turn your outdoor adventures wild on the local reserve's social media channels. 

Discover 30 Days Wild at Foxburrow 

Discover 30 Days Wild at Lackford Lakes 

At the end of June, our Philanthropy team welcomed over 60 of our biggest supporters at Carlton Marshes for a special event. Guests gathered at the Visitor Centre for welcome refreshments and a short talk from our CEO, Christine, on the work and progress at Carlton Marshes and Worlingham Marshes. 

Guests then enjoyed a boat trip along the River Waveney viewing three of our nature reserves from the water, Carlton Marshes, Castle Marshes and onto to Worlingham Marshes  – a beautiful afternoon of sunshine and wildlife and a chance to say thank you in person. 

Thank you to all who joined us for the end and for your wonderful support of our work 💚

It’s been one month since the launch of Mission 2030 campaign, with our aim to raise £1,000,000 over the next three years to support our vital conservation work and bring back nature in Suffolk. 

With your support we have hit 6% of our target! Thank you to all who have donated and shared our campaign so far. 

Find out more about the campaign and get involved here.