The Days of Summer at Landguard

Those visiting the Reserve, April through to September 2022 may have observed much activity on site as improvement works were carried out by the Harwich Haven Authority, as part of their continued investment in the Landguard Peninsula.

Works included, improving access to the Landguard Radar Tower, and repainting its 37m height. Additionally, fencing was erected around the mine station to help create a sanctuary for bats and other wildlife, new grass matting was installed along an eroded desire line to help re-establish growth and mesh guards were replaced on some of the searchlight buildings. These works followed earlier improvements and repairs to the river wall, timber and concrete groyne and wooden jetty on site.

During the summer holidays, Landguard Nature Reserve delivered two successful Wildlife Discovery Days for visiting families. Once again, the popular Willow Wildlife Trail was showcased. Each sculpture created by Tracy Barritt-Brown was displayed with props including, bee homes, bat boxes, hedgehog highway and butterfly feeders, plus signs giving fascinating facts and tips for helping each species at home.

Additions to this year's events included a rabbit trail, rock pool and large educational floor game about seals on the shore.

Wildlife themed crafts were also provided, and visitors could build bee homes, craft with paper, and help create a new bottle top 'under the sea' wall art for the learning area, using plastic bottle tops collected during litter picks and donated by local contributors. All in all, they were great days enjoyed by many.

External partners included:

• Local artist, Soren Bone who helped bring the wall art to life with her fabulous illustration and painting skills.

• Suffolk Outdoor Learning Ltd who provided scavenger hunts, jellyfish creation and mould painting which were enjoyed by many children, teenagers and adults, and Felixstowe Coast Patrol attended with their friendly crew to provide information about their services to Felixstowe, demonstrate rescue techniques and gave tours of their rescue boat.

As part of East Suffolk Council’s Health and Wellbeing programme, a guided tour of Landguard Nature Reserve and the Bird Observatory was organised in September. Participants were guided around the Reserve and Observatory by Leonie Washington (Landguard Ranger) and Nigel Odin (Bird Observatory) to see and hear about the positive action being taken here.

October through to February is when most habitat management occurs, during this period tasks such as scrub control, pond maintenance, fence repair, access maintenance and other ad hoc projects take place with the help of dedicated volunteers.

If you would like to enquire about future volunteering opportunities, please contact the Ranger at leoniewashington@landguardtrust.org.uk