Community groups and other volunteers

A considerable amount of the heathland management work carried out in the Sandlings is done by volunteers on nature reserves and heathland commons.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust's Sandlings Project team and Suffolk Coastal District Council help to support these commons management groups, providing guidance, tools and training as well as legislative support such as insurance and first aid training. Project staff also support volunteers by carrying out management task which are beyond most volunteers: using power tools, heavy machinery and pesticides, although some groups are also equipped to do this. Many of the improvements on our heaths seen over the last 15 years would not have been possible without the considerable efforts of dedicated volunteers.

Getting involved
There are local community groups working on Walberswick Common, Blaxhall Heath, Wenhaston Commons, Martlesham Commons, Knodishall Common, Sutton and Hollesley Commons.

Volunteer groups from Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Lowestoft Special Needs Centre and Otley College regularly work out on the Commons and other nature reserves. The RSPB, National Trust and Greenways Project also run regular volunteer work parties on heathland sites.

Work party dates for Suffolk Wildlife Trust sites (see sites below)

Work parties - what to bring and wear

Work parties - health and safety advice

More information about Suffolk Wildlife Trust sites

Blaxhall Common

Dingle Marshes

Sizewell Belts

Sutton & Hollesley Commons

Wenhaston Commons

For further information on practical work on the heaths please contact David Mason on 01394 388431 or email sandlings@suffolkwildlifetrust.org