Dickleburgh Moor to become a community nature reserve

The Otter Trust has purchased Dickleburgh Moor which they are hoping to tranform back to it's original state creating a community nature reserve. (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2016)

A former glacial lake which has slowly silted over the years, the land has been used as a hay meadow and pumped dry for the last 31 years.

The trust will restore the 50 acres of land as a water meadow to create a wildlife haven.

And in the coming years, with the support of Natural England and the community, the trust would like to create a shallow lake in the centre of the site.

Bird hides will be added and a path created to improve visitor access.

A herd of red poll cattle will be introduced to improve the potential for breeding wading birds.

The purchase of the moor coincides with the appointment of Ben Potterton as a new trustee.

Mr Potterton, the owner of Shorelands Wildlife Gardens, had been advising the trustees on a range of conservation projects was appointed to revitalise the trust's work and continue the legacy of its founder, Philip Wayre, who died in 2014.

Mr Potterton said: 'Dickleburgh Moor has the potential to become the most significant nature reserve in south Norfolk.

'It is also important to the local community as in the colder winters of the past residents used to ice skate on the moor, with many older residents still owning wooden skates.'

On the few occasions the pump used to keep the meadow dry has failed, the site has flooded and in winter has attracted flocks of golden plover and whooper swans.

The site is still home to water vole, lapwings, which can be seen easily, and also otters and occasionally rare visitors such as Spoonbill adding to the sites impressive species list.

Mr Potterton added he was looking at the potential of introducing Suffolk punch horses, with bespoke carts, so visitors of all ages and abilities can reach all of the moor.

The Otter Trust has said it will ensure the site will be restored in a sympathetic manner.