“A stroll around the stunningly beautiful Mere, combined with a
visit to the bustling market town and medieval castle,
makes this a great day out.”

With its surrounding wet meadows and ancient castle backdrop, the Mere at Framlingham is considered by many to be the best view in inland Suffolk. Its wildlife is equally special and the reserve is best known for its sedge beds – a rare habitat in Suffolk – and stream of migrating birds. There is a wonderful show of massed marsh marigolds, delicate ragged-robin and lady’s smock in spring and if water levels aren’t too high, birds like green and common sandpiper and snipe can sometimes be seen.

A build up of silt over recent years resulted in restoration work being carried out by Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Framlingham College and the Environment Agency. This involved removing over 40,000 tonnes of accumulated mud from the Mere to restore water levels and wetland wildlife, pollarding historic trees and planting new ones and improving information for visitors.

Yellow flag iris

Wildlife has already responded to the improvement in water quality resulting from the restoration.

STAR SPECIES
Marsh marigold
Yellow flag iris
Snipe

Green sandpiper winters on lakes and marshes

The Mere is cared for by Suffolk Wildlife Trust on behalf of Framlingham College.