Martlesham in May

The nightingales have returned to the woods and several adders have ben seen on the Western Corridor (so dog walkers should be aware of possible encounters).

Suffolk Coastal Services have cut back the paths in the woodland and these are much more open now. (This is part of our grass cutting contract).

The Western Corridor SSSI is now registered with the Rural Land Registry and we are meeting with Natural England to formulate a management plan for improving the heathland for the insects, birds and mammals that inhabit it. MHHL is also trying to set up a charitable trust to manage this area and we are looking for people with a special interest in the SSSI to form part of a group who will be responsible for managing this trust. Please get in touch with us if you think you might be interested.

The Conservation Group have done their annual bird survey with the RSPB and although there are many species of birds in the woods, several of their numbers show a decline.

Two birch trees have been removed in Forest Lane and another tree is due to be removed from Lark Rise. These have all caused problems due to proximity to properties. We hope to find more suitable areas to plant new trees around the village.

There has already been one fire in the woods – please keep an eye out for potential vandalism. Also, a bin bag full of bottles and cans has been dumped in the woods. We are seeing more waste being thrown into bushes and verges around the village and these can also contribute to fires, threatening our homes and our wildlife.

A very nice resident emerged from the woods saying it was a bit neglected and that she had to watch where she was walking due to dog mess. The woods are under-managed, in great part due to lack of volunteer workers, money and interest. The dog mess problem is, as usual down to a few ignorant people. If you would like to form a working party to help out with clearance work in the woods, please get in touch with us.

01473 612207 or email mhh@martlesham.org.uk