MUSEUM OF EAST ANGLIAN LIFE
NEW NATURE TRAIL
The new River Rattlesden Nature Reserve is set in 35 acres of beautiful wetland meadows. This section of the site has been hidden from view since the Museum opened in 1963. However a brand new nature trail means that visitors now have access to nearly 3km of riverside walks
The trail starts under the sails of the Eastbridge Wind pump and follows the river as it meanders past a willow coppice and mature Alder Carr woodland. Otters and Kingfishers have been known to hunt the abundant fish stocks in the river. The trail then crosses a new foot bridge and wends through the water meadows where Red Poll Cattle, Norfolk Horn and Suffolk sheep graze. A board walk then leads into an ancient woodland where visitors can get closer to nature in one of the hides and watch the many woodland birds and other wildlife feeding and performing their spring courtship displays.
Estate Manager and architect of the reserve, Angus McFadzean says: "Picnic spots have been carefully selected for their tranquility and beautiful backdrops, allowing visitors to get "lost in Stowmarket". The creation of the River Rat Nature Trail is the latest stage in our work to promote nature conservation. We have worked extensively with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust which has led to our newly planted wildflower meadows being short listed for the Flora locale prize for nature conservation."
The creation of the site has been made possible by a grant from the Suffolk Environmental Trust, the Friends of the Museum of East Anglian Life and from the help of Volunteers including a team of prisoners from HMP Hollesley Bay.
The Nature Reserve was opened on 1st May 2006 by the Earl of Cranbrook, the President of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust..
The trail starts under the sails of the Eastbridge Wind pump and follows the river as it meanders past a willow coppice and mature Alder Carr woodland. Otters and Kingfishers have been known to hunt the abundant fish stocks in the river. The trail then crosses a new foot bridge and wends through the water meadows where Red Poll Cattle, Norfolk Horn and Suffolk sheep graze. A board walk then leads into an ancient woodland where visitors can get closer to nature in one of the hides and watch the many woodland birds and other wildlife feeding and performing their spring courtship displays.
Estate Manager and architect of the reserve, Angus McFadzean says: "Picnic spots have been carefully selected for their tranquility and beautiful backdrops, allowing visitors to get "lost in Stowmarket". The creation of the River Rat Nature Trail is the latest stage in our work to promote nature conservation. We have worked extensively with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust which has led to our newly planted wildflower meadows being short listed for the Flora locale prize for nature conservation."
The creation of the site has been made possible by a grant from the Suffolk Environmental Trust, the Friends of the Museum of East Anglian Life and from the help of Volunteers including a team of prisoners from HMP Hollesley Bay.
The Nature Reserve was opened on 1st May 2006 by the Earl of Cranbrook, the President of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust..
