People are at the heart of this Living Landscape which lies within the Broads National Park. Over 80,000 people live close by and thousands more visit every year. Focussing on the Waveney valley in the Suffolk Broads, our aim is to create a landscape of rich habitat from Lowestoft to Beccles. Reconnecting and expanding wildlife-rich sites, including two internationally designated wetlands, will make them less vulnerable to water level changes and benefit species associated with the wet marshes. Achieving our 30 year vision involves restoring damaged or neglected habitat and recreating wetland lost to arable farming. Our conservation advisors are working with local landowners to secure their support and promote more wildlife-friendly farming practices.
The Wildlife Trusts
Intrinsic Value
The Broads National Park is a fascinating landscape which has been heavily modified by man. Over 1000 years The Broads demonstrated how man could change a landscape in such a way that wasn’t entirely at the expense of wildlife. The unique wildlife of the Broads largely adapted to manmade change, the cutting of fens for example, has a similar effect to the grazing of large herbivores, preventing the development of woodland. Likewise, large-scale digging of peat created even larger expanses of open water which were colonised by everything from water-lilies to dragonflies.
The Wildlife Trusts
Emotional Value
There is no doubt that nature is good for us, good for our health, our mind, for our spirit. Carlton and Oulton Marshes are free for anyone to enjoy and with over 80,000 people living within walking distance of the reserve, it is a place of retreat that people of all ages can come to.
The Wildlife Trusts
Financial Value
In north-east Suffolk, we share with Norfolk one of the largest and possibly most unique wetland ecosystems in the UK - The Broads National Park. There are around 8 million visitors to the Broads each year, and the annual economic impact of tourism is estimated to be £568m.
The Wildlife Trusts
Societal Value
In the early 1970s marsh harriers were exceptionally rare in England with just one pair breeding in Suffolk. These magnificent birds of prey were a key reason for establishing Carlton Marshes as a nature reserve and their breeding success in those early years made a significant contribution to the recovery of the UK population. Marsh harriers still nest here, along with barn owls and hobby, living alongside the cattle that graze the marshes and the thousands of children and adults who visit each year. This is a perfect example of how a Living Landscape really can be a fantastic place for people, farming and wildlife.
The Wildlife Trusts
Get Involved
Our local volunteers underpin the management of our Broadland reserves, with weekend and mid-week work parties and volunteer wardening. If you would like to get involved please call Carlton Marshes for details on 01502 564250.
Be inspired:
Our Education Officer runs a year round programme of activities for families and schools, as well as wildlife courses for adults. More details can be found on the ‘What’s On’ section of our website - suffolkwildlifetrusts.org.