The wheels on the bus go…to Lackford Lakes!

The wheels on the bus go…to Lackford Lakes!

On a warm and sunny Friday in October, BFER Scheme Manager Nick, and Volunteer and Engagement Officer Nicole ventured out on an exploratory trip to Lackford Lakes. BFER are keen to promote green access routes into the countryside and to our key partner sites. As a project we will be looking to promote links between urban areas and natural Brecks landscapes and hope to offer events in 2024 that facilitate this. Nick and Nicole were joined by Amy Rushton of Suffolk Wildlife Trust, for a trip from Bury St Edmunds to Lackford Lakes Nature Reserve.

Lackford Lakes Nature Reserve

Lackford Lakes is a beautiful oasis of lakes, reeds, meadow, and woodland, creating a fantastically diverse habitat for wildlife. The site is a popular spot for bird watchers and wildlife photographers, with multiple bird hides offering amazing views across the tranquil lakes. The site is also brilliant for families, with many events for all ages, as well as a perfect peaceful spot for strolling in nature.

Lackford Lakes has free onsite parking, but for those wishing for a greener way to travel, it is also accessible by bus, as Nick, Nicole, and Amy explored.

Bury St Edmunds to Lackford

The three caught the bus from Bury St Edmunds bus station, taking the Number 355 bus from Stand 3 to Lackford. The journey was a quick 15-20 minutes, with the Lackford stop opposite the Lackford bus shelter.

From here, the three took the 15-minute walk to the Suffolk Wildlife Trust Lackford Lakes visitor centre. The walk followed the road to Lackford’s St Lawrence Church, before following public footpaths to arrive at the site. It is worth noting, that it is also possible to walk from Lackford village bus stop to West Stow Country Park. This is a slightly longer walk, taking you to the fishing lakes at the south end of the park.

Be alert to acronyms!

Lackford Lakes visitors centre includes a lovely shop and café (with rather tasty ice lollies which may have been sampled…). The three walked out to the furthest point of the East Lakes Trail to Steggall’s Hide, before returning to catch the bus back. It was all going swimmingly, until the explorers realised that they had overlooked a little acronym next to the return times, ‘NSch’. This turned out to mean, ‘Not School days’, and is an important thing to note for anyone looking to take this trip on a weekday! With the buses out of action until the completion of the school run, the three were luckily rescued by Amy’s lovely Suffolk Wildlife Trust colleague who took them back to Bury.

So, to conclude!

The bus is a fantastically easy way to get from Bury St Edmunds town centre to the beautiful landscapes of Lackford Lakes in under 40 minutes. The bus itself is a quick journey, and the public footpaths leading from the bus stop to the visitors centre are scenic. However, be sure to check and double check the timetable (with particular attention to acronyms!). Although the buses are regular, they don’t all run on school days!

The wheels on the bus go…to Lackford Lakes!

Find out more information about Lackford Lakes HERE

Find our more information about the bus timetables between Bury St Edmunds and Lackford Lakes (also accessible from Mildenhall) HERE