A major boost for local nature has been confirmed with the successful fundraising appeal to secure Worlingham Marshes as a new protected reserve near Beccles.
The charity behind the project says the site will now be safeguarded for wildlife and opened up for people to enjoy, thanks to remarkable backing across the community.
The appeal drew support from members, local residents, and gifts in Wills, alongside a £2 million contribution from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. According to the charity, this combination of public generosity and grant funding made it possible to protect another significant stretch of Suffolk landscape.
Worlingham Marshes is described as an important area for nature recovery, providing valuable habitat for wetland species. Securing the land means long-term protection, as well as opportunities for future conservation work.
For people living in and around Beccles and Lowestoft, the new reserve is expected to offer improved access to green space. The charity says it hopes the site will become a place for quiet walks, wildlife spotting, and community engagement with nature.
Local supporters have been thanked for helping turn the project from an ambition into a reality. The organisation says the level of community involvement shows how strongly residents feel about protecting Suffolk’s natural environment.
Further details about future plans for the reserve are expected to be shared as work progresses, but the charity says the priority now is ensuring the marshland begins its next stage as a safeguarded space for wildlife.
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