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Wildlife along the River Waveney
The River Waveney is a haven for wildlife, some of which no longer exists anywhere else in the UK, as in the example of the swallowtail butterfly and the Norfolk hawker dragonfly.
In terms of flora there are a whole host of species, including hemp agrimony, rare varieties of orchids, the rare water soldier and the more common yellow flag. Relish in the flamboyant reddish-purple displays of purple loosestrife or the subtle blue flowers of branched bur-reed.
On the water glide the commonly seen coots and mallards, sometimes alongside elegant swans, or great crested grebes. And in the reeds and trees witness small bearded tits and bigger booming bitterns. White Cast Marshes have many common birds and rare ones too and many species of insects including moths, butterflies and dragonflies, as well as a large variety of flowering plants, are also found here.
However of major concern are the murky waters which have led to the extinction of many plants and animals in this area and which is now a focal point for local and national conservation groups.
Many species of birds are to be seen around the River including coots, moorhens, herons, ducks, grebes and mute swans.
In addition, the banks of the River Waveney are home to muntjac deer, wallabies and otters. The Earsham Otter Trust is a registered charity which was set up in 1971 to help ensure the future of the British Otter and of otters across the globe. The organisation runs an otter and wildfowl reserve at Earsham which is open from April to October every year. All profits go towards ongoing breeding and releasing of otters into the wild.
You can also visit the Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve in the Waveney Valley near Oulton Broad. The marshes are home to a variety of marshland birds all year round: snipe, redshank and lapwing nest here and in winter you might catch a glimpse of a short-eared owl or a hen harrier, swooping low over the marshes, looking for food.
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Otter Trust »
Address: Bungay, Suffolk NR35 2AF
Tel: 01986 893470
Services: Nature reserve | Waterway trust & societies
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Somerleyton Hall & Gardens »
Address: Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 5QQ
Tel: 01502 730224
Services: Garden | Historic building
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