The January meeting of the Nature and Wildlife Group will take place at Lackford Lakes, Bury Saint Edmunds , that belong to the Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Suffolk Wildlife Trust Lackford Lakes is a 400acre Nature Reserve comprising of 11 lakes with 8 hides & is double SSSI designated. Cafe is open 10-5 daily.

UPDATE ABOUT EXPECTED WEATHER CONDITIONS

Looking forward to the N&W Shoot this coming Sunday I have checked the weather forecast and at the beginning of the week there was an 80% chance of rain but now no rain is predicted and it looks, as far as the weather is concerned, it is going to be a rather pleasant day

Checked out this reserve a few weeks ago as I was informed it was one of the best sites in the country to see Kingfishes however on this particular day none made an appearance. I was informed it was still a little early. However Little Egrets, Grey Herons and Cormorants were seen within a very short time of arriving.

Lackford Lakes is a 105.8 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest north east of Lackford in Suffolk. The nature reserve, which is managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. The lakes are disused sand and gravel pits in the valley of the River Lark.

A superb site for wildfowl in both winter and summer, Lackford attracts Tufted Duck, Teal, Pochard, Gadwall, Shoveler and Goosander. There is a large winter gull roost which comprises many thousands of birds. Passing birds of prey include the majestic osprey, whilst buzzard and sparrow hawk can be seen regularly. 

In the summer months, hobby can be seen in hot pursuit of sand martin, swallows and an array of dragonflies. This is one of the best places in Suffolk for kingfisher, and cormorant are often seen fishing at the sailing lake or roosting in the tall trees by the river. Almost any migrant bird can turn up - black tern are regulars but species like Little Egret and the more uncommon waders are also seen.

Meet in the car park at the entrance to the reserve at 10:00am