Riverside land to be maintained as a wildlife haven

A council has bought almost eight acres of land so it can be preserved as a riverside haven for nature and wildlife.

Mid Suffolk District Council has taken on the land in Stowmarket between Takers Lane and the River Rat adjoining Pikes Meadow and near the A14.

It is already home to several wildlife species and will now provide public green space, protect the land from development, and offer riverside walks, connecting Combs Ford and Gipping Way.

The authority and Stowmarket Town Council will carry out emergency tree work, litter clearance and ecological surveys.

Tim Weller, the district council's cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing, said: "It unlocks a fantastic opportunity for us to open up a new riverside walk connecting the town, expanding and improving our existing green space, improving air quality, reducing flood risk and providing a healthier environment for the local community."

The council has previously bought land in Onehouse, Thorndon and Palgrave in support of biodiversity.

Last November, it announced £1.8m to be spent over three years on biodiversity across the district.

The fund is split between community-led projects and initiatives for the restoration of rivers and their catchments. The Community Nature Recovery Grant is open for applications, while the Catchment and Landscape Nature Recovery Grant opens for applications next month.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.