The project has received initial support and a development grant of £246,300 from HLF and now needs to raise £1million to help it take the next step towards unlocking a full grant of £4m.

[quote=Sir David Attenborough]“Please help Suffolk Wildlife Trust rescue this precious corner of East Anglia and bring back wildlife in all its splendour."[/quote]

The purchase of land flanking the existing nature reserve at Carlton and Oulton Marshes will lead to the creation of a mix of wet habitats that so many nationally rare animals and plants depend on.

Sir David Attenborough, President Emeritus of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “England’s wildlife is under great and ever-growing pressure. It is vital that we restore our land on a landscape scale so that can it support more wild plants and animals. Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s ambition to extend Carlton and Oulton Marshes is a unique opportunity to do just this and it has my whole-hearted support.”

It is hoped the site will ultimately become the Suffolk Broads National Nature Reserve.

Reconnecting people and wildlife

An engagement and activity programme will create some fantastic opportunities for people to explore the natural world on the doorstep of Lowestoft.

The project will also transform habitats for wildlife:

• 1,000 acres of wildness will be formed
• A new reedbed habitat will support species from breeding marsh harriers to white-mantled wainscot moths
• Restoration of seven miles of freshwater ditches will see water voles and the rare fen raft spider thrive
• 150 acres of marsh, fen meadow and shallow pools will be created, with thousands of metres of soft muddy edges, for wintering wildfowl and nationally declining waders like lapwing and redshank to feed

Drew Bennellick, Head of Landscape and Natural Heritage at HLF said: “Thanks to National Lottery players we’re pleased to support these plans which will create fantastic opportunities for people to reconnect with wildlife and nature right on the doorstep of Lowestoft. We wish Suffolk Wildlife Trust all the best as they embark on their fundraising scheme which will enable us all to get involved with the creation of an exciting new landscape and secure a bright future for the Suffolk Broads.”

Sir David Attenborough added: “Please help Suffolk Wildlife Trust rescue this precious corner of East Anglia and bring back wildlife in all its splendour. By giving generously you will be investing not just in wildlife but in the happiness and fulfilment of thousands of people now and in the future.”

Visit Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s website to discover more about the project and the fundraising campaign.