Nature enhancement is a key part of our ongoing work to conserve and enhance the Dedham Vale National Landscape & Stour Valley. 

Our Nature Network Officer, Alex Moore da Luz, provides a round-up from all of our nature enhancement projects and volunteer work parties for June 2024.

1 Giant Hogweed Control

The National Landscape team control Giant Hogweed at 70 sites throughout the River Stour catchment. The scheme has significantly stopped the spread of this dangerous plant and led to its eradication at multiple sites.

They are flowering now so we have to burn the flower heads to ensure they don’t set seed and dig out the remainder of the plants. This control work will help to increase biodiversity along our rivers and lower the risk of injuries to river users.

Throughout June, we were out in different locations, including Long Melford and Great Cornard.

2 Sighting of the Month

Greg and Emma from the National Landscape team were fortunate enough to see six hazel dormice whilst carrying out surveys in June. This one above was spotted at a site near Sudbury.

The hazel dormouse is our flagship species in the Dedham Vale National Landscape & Stour Valley.

3 Gardening for Wildlife

Well done to Phil Price, one of our National Landscape volunteers, for his No Mow May efforts (above)!

Saving even small patches of lawn from the mower can be a lifeline for birds such as starlings and house sparrows in their desperate search for insects to feed their hungry broods.

If you have any photos of wildlife habitats in your garden you would like to share that can inspire others, please email alex.mooredaluz@suffolkandessex-NL.org.uk to be featured in future monthly updates.

4 Nature Network – Target Update

• Target 3: The restoration and creation of 40ha of lowland meadows (including wet grassland) within and connected to Core Zones A-I by 2030

• Progress: 28.13ha to date. 11.87ha still to go to achieve 2030 target. If you know of any suitable sites and willing recipients, please email alex.mooredaluz@suffolkandessex-NL.org.uk.

5 Upcoming tasks

• Friday 5th July – Stag beetle pyramid building in Shotley
• Friday 12th July – Himalayan balsam control in Higham
• Friday 19th July – Stag beetle pyramid building (location tbc)
• Friday 16th August – Tree after care in Chelsworth
• Friday 23rd August – Sedge management at Bixley Heath, Ipswich
• Friday 30th August – Tree aftercare at Borley Mill