1.5 Ghost Pingo Excavation update - September 2023
In August 2023 four ghost pingos were excavated on two separate privately owned landholdings in the Brecks close to Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Thompson Common nature reserve. More
We were fortunate to have beautiful spring weather when we met up with members of the Bury St Edmunds Trout Club at West Stow Country Park to discuss their project ‘Rewilding the Lark.’ Through BFER’s 3rd Party Grant Fund, this project has been awarded a £2,500 grant.
‘Rewilding the Lark in the Park′ is a project to improve the habitat and environment of the River Lark as it passes through 1.6 km of West Stow Country Park. The project is also supported by Keep Britain Tidy, West Suffolk Council and Suffolk Wildlife Trust as members of the River Lark Catchment Partnership (RLCP).
Phase 1 of the project will include using brash bundles, heavy wooden debris to create large wooden debris platforms and log deflectors which will narrow the channel to create higher water flow velocity and turbulence.
This will help scour silt from the river bed creating new spawning areas for fish, and discouraging Burr Reed growth, which has historically impacted this section of the river. Installation of pre-planted coir rolls and planting new trees will also help create more diverse habitats along the river corridor.
During our visit we spotted Long Tailed Tits, Canada Geese and Egyptian Geese with their baby goslings.
These willow trees have been as pollards by West Stow Country Park volunteers. Pollarding can be used to keep trees such as willow to a moderate size, or to stimulate them to produce brightly coloured new shoot. Pollarding is usually done in late winter or early spring.
The most spectacular sight of the day was the size of this swan’s nest which looks so peaceful.
If you would like to discuss your project idea with a member of the team, just need more information or if you would like to be added to our mailing list email: bfer.admin@suffolk.gov.uk
