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Plan Your Visit

Newbourne Springs

Know Before You Go

Location: Woodbridge Lane, Newbourne, Ipswich IP12 4NY.

what3words location: paler.takeover. energetic home to stag beetle larvae. This is a top site for these formidable insects, and you may be lucky enough to spot one hurrying along the path. Treecreepers and marsh tits love the woodland areas, too, whilst skylarks and green woodpeckers favour the grasslands. This gem of a nature reserve can be explored in just 40 minutes or so, or take longer to soak up the atmosphere. The

How to get there: From the A12 roundabout, head east on Newbourne Road, then bear right on to Ipswich Road. In the centre of Newbourne, turn left towards the Fox Inn. Turn left on to Woodbridge Road and there is a free car park at reserve entrance with space for up to six cars.

Opening times: Open all year, at all times.

Access: Not suitable for wheelchairs. Dogs on leads. The path can be muddy and steep in places. Kissing gates, narrow boardwalk, steep slopes, steps and damp path sections year-round.

Phone for information: 01473 890089.

Email: teamwilder@suffolkwildlifetrust.org

Website: suffolkwildlifetrust.org/ newbournesprings

Top Wildlife To Spot

Nightingale:

Newbourne Springs is famed for the melody of the nightingale. Visit early morning or late evening for the best performances.

Yellow flag iris: These bright yellow flowers bloom on tall stalks along the margins of the stream, providing the perfect perch for damselflies.

Common frog: winding paths make it feel much bigger than it is, giving you a sense of intimacy. Stop to admire the array of different plants that bloom in the various habitats. Common twayblade grows in limited places and the more open areas are covered in southern marsh orchid. Three species of reptile breed here and you might spot a grass snake or common lizard basking in the sun. There are even signs that otters visit, but they’re highly elusive and rarely seen.

With so many ponds, Newbourne Springs is excellent for amphibians. Keep an eye out for tiny froglets hopping in the grass.

THINGS TO DO NEARBY

† Enjoy a morning stroll around the reserve and then relax at the awardwinning Fox Inn, right by the entrance.

† Levington Lagoon is just a ten-minute drive away. On the banks of the Orwell estuary, enjoy a short walk to see yellowhammer, linnet and waders. Extend your day by taking a trip to Trimley Marshes, Felixstowe.

You’ll need several hours to explore this stunning area, famed for birdlife.