“ There’s so much to see and hear. Just find a spot, sit, soak in the atmosphere and let the wildlife come to you!”

North Cove is a quiet relaxing place with a patchwork of wetland habitats including grazing marsh, wet woodland and pools, all lying in the valley of the River Waveney. Characteristic marshland plants like ragged-robin and yellow rattle (so named because the dried seeds rattle in their pods) have become established along with nationally scarce marsh fern which is thriving here. Bog pimpernel occurs in the meadow and opposite-leaved golden saxifrage can be found near the old decoy pond.

The mature woodland is good for birds like warbler, siskin, redpoll and all three types of woodpecker. Woodcock nest and feed in the scrub and young carr and sparrow-hawk can often be seen hunting, their swift swooping flight low to the ground.

Pools and dykes attract many kinds of dragonfly including the Norfolk hawker. Smooth newt and the ten-spined stickleback also occur. In summer grass snake and common lizard soak up the sun in warm sheltered areas.To maintain this wonderful array of wildlife, cattle are used to graze the meadows, encroaching scrub is kept at bay, the old decoy pond is regularly cleared and the summerhouse ride mown.

North Cove is cared for by Suffolk Wildlife Trust on behalf of a private owner.

Other Trust reserves nearby: Carlton Marshes, Oulton Marshes

STAR SPECIES
Norfolk hawker dragonfly
Woodcock

Woodcock have perfected the art of camouflage