Now something of a rarity in Britain, this wet woodland, once part of a 19th century shooting estate, is situated in privately owned land and part of a Ramsar Site and Special Area of Conservation. Jointly-managed by the owner and Beccles Wildlife Group (formerly Beccles Bird Society). Spring brings chiffchaff, willow warbler, blackcap, garden warbler and grasshopper warbler. Summer is the time fo
r hobby, which breed locally, as do green and great spotted woodpecker, and the lesser spotted woodpecker has been recorded. On still, warm days in summer, dragonflies and damselflies are abundant near the dykes and ponds, as are butterflies and moths in the meadows. These are populated with characteristic marsh plants like ragged-robin, yellow rattle, and bog pimpernel, along with the nationally scarce marsh fern, which is thriving here. Opposite-leaved golden saxifrage can be found near the decoy pond, while reptiles are represented with grass snake, slow worm and common lizard. Autumn trees provide interest with changing colours and dragonflies remain on the wing until colder weather arrives. And in winter, by the hide in the woodland glade, common British woodland birds can be found feasting on the bird table and feeders replenished by Beccles Wildlife Group.
