Wildlife Habitats
The Stour and Orwell form one of the world’s most beautiful estuaries. The area is recognised at both national and international levels for the importance of its environment and wildlife. Both rivers have the European Special Protection Area designation under the ‘Wild Birds Directive’ and are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the UK Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. These two SSSIs form the Stour and Orwell Estuaries and Ramsar site (an international wetland convention).
The Orwell estuary, and the north shore of the Stour, also form part of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in recognition of the estuary’s great scenic beauty. The Deben Estuary is also of importance ecologically and contains sensitive ecological habitats including saltmarsh and intertidal mudflats that support a range of breeding, wintering and migratory birds.
Trimley Marshes Nature Reserve
In 1998 the Trimley Estate created the Trimley Marshes Nature Reserve adjacent to the River Orwell to compensate for mud flats lost by the extension of the Port of Felixstowe. The Nature Reserve is managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust and extends over 85 hectares with a visitor centre, bird hides, picnic area and a circular walk.
Wigeon, Teal, Brent Geese and Redshank are among some of the species you can expect to see and the unmistakable sight of the Marsh Harrier ghosting over reedbeds is almost guaranteed. The reedbeds are routinely visited by Bittern in winter, joining Water Rail and Reed Bunting and impressive numbers of Warblers in summer while the Tern rafts on the reservoir are used by Cormorants and Black-headed Gulls.
The lagoon and its islands provide a variety of habitats throughout the year, providing ideal nesting sites for Avocet, Ringed Plover and Tufted Duck, while in spring and autumn the muddy margins make excellent feeding grounds for migrating waders such as Common Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper and Greenshank.
In 2000 the Estate established new intertidal bird feeding areas through a managed retreat scheme on the River Orwell. This is managed by the Harwich Haven Authority (established by Act of Parliament in 1863).
Visiting the Trimley Nature Reserve
The Trimley Nature Reserve is managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust and is open all year round. There is a visitor centre, picnic area and bird hides as well as plenty of walks for all ages. Full details are available on the Nature Reserve website at: Trimley Marshes Nature Reserve
To contact the Suffolk Wildlife Trust call 01473 890 089 or email info@suffolkwildlifetrust.org
Leisure activities
Footpaths and bridleways
A substantial part of the Estate is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and public access is encouraged. We have made substantial improvements to the extensive public footpath network and bridleways across the Estate.
The Suffolk Coast and Heaths Path, a long-distance footpath, passes through the Estate splitting in two with one route running along the seafront of Felixstowe and the other passing east-west through Trimley St Martin.
Fishing
The Suffolk Fly Fisher’s Club is based at Loompit Lake and offers members fly and boat fishing for Rainbow and Brown trout. Potential new members are welcome to visit and experience fishing in the lake with no obligation.
To contact the club, call 07902 469033 or email info@sffc.org.uk
Address: Suffolk Fly Fisher’s Club, Thorpe Lane, Trimley St Martin IP11 0RZ
Visit the Suffolk Fly Fisher’s Club website
Felixstowe Rifle Club
The Felixstowe Rifle Club was originally formed in 1900 and has around 100 members many of whom participate in competitions from club to national level. The club offers:
• A 100m outdoor range for small bore target shooting over 25, 50 and 100 yards
• A 50m outdoor range with floodlit 20m, 25m and 50m target positions
• A purpose built 10m air weapon range
Contact the club via their website: Visit the Felixstowe Rifle Club website
Address: Felixstowe Rifle Club, High Street, Felixstowe IP11 9UB