Suffolk Show ............................................................. Cover Sandlings Public Open Space

Sandlings Public Open Space (Bixley Farm)formally opened

by Steve Goddard

We extolled the virtues of this splendid area in volume 2, p 14 and in a field trip report in volume 4, p8 (reference also in Branch Round-Up, Butterfly Conservation News No.58, Autumn/Winter 1994), due to its wonderful diversity of habitat and extraordinary number of butterfly species (23 so far recorded inc. 3 Hairstreaks), all in just under 13 acres on the edge of!pswich. Following development of a management plan by Suffolk Coastal District Council (who now own the land) assisted by Rushmere St. Andrew Parish Council, Saturday April 8th, saw the official opening by Mike Morton, Chairman of SCDC in the presence of representatives from many interested parties including ourselves. Richard Stewart led a group of about 20 keen observers around the site and Jean and Ken Garrod, Paul Gilson and myself were there to lend our support to what was a high profile event for Suffolk Branch and Butterfly Conservation. Why not take a look at the sire for yourself, you will not be disappointed. We would recommend late April to early July for Green Hairstreak and early July to the end of August for White-letter and Purple Hairstreaks as well as other high summer species. Please let us know what you find. Location: OS Grid Ref. TM 204445. (To the south-east of and immediately adjacent to Rushrnere Heath). Travelling towards Felixstowe, half a mile from Ipswich Hospital, turn left onto Foxhall Road (towards Foxhall Stadium and Brightwell). At the Golf Public House, turn left into Bixley Road and proceed to bottom where the road bends. Entrance along bridleway leading towards the Water Tower beside the new housing development.