Westleton Heath NNR is part of the best remaining tract of heathland in Suffolk. Main habitats: lowland heath Features of interest In medieval times a large area of heath known as the Sandlings (on account of its dry sandy soils) stretched along the Suffolk coast. Today only about 20% of the heathland remains; the rest has been lost to modern farming and forestry. Birds of open heath and light scrub are well represented here and include tree pipit, dartford warbler, stonechat and nightjar. The woodlands support nightingale and woodcock. The local flora is typical of acid soil, with species such as harebell, tormentil, heath bedstraw and mossy tiliea on the grass heath. Cross-leaved heath may also be found in the damper areas. Of the heather species, common heather and ling predominate, and these, together with deep purple bell heather, provide an important nectar source for invertebrates such as the white admiral butterfly. See the map to find out where you can ride a horse or cycle on the reserve. Directions Westleton Heath is 1 kilometre north east of the village of Westleton. The nearest train station is in Darsham, 5 kilometres to the west. Bus services along the A12 (5km west of the reserve) are provided by First Group. The heath is crossed by a minor road from Westleton to the coastal village of Dunwich, 2 kilometres to the east. The road, accessed along the B1125, has 2 car parks on and near the reserve. Volunteers There is a weekly practical conservation volunteer team which meet on site on a Friday. This includes tasks such as scrub management, fencing and woodland management. Volunteers of all abilities are welcome. On-task training is delivered by reserve staff. Volunteers can claim travel expenses and will be provided with safety equipment. There are also group or corporate volunteering opportunities on the reserve and site staff have experience of working with teenage groups, prison groups, young offenders and local conservation societies. If you are interested in volunteering and would like more information contact Paul Lacey, or call the reserve office on 01502 676178. Contact For more information contact Adam Burrows, senior reserve manager:
Natural England
The Barn
Frostenden Hall Farm
Church Lane
Frostenden
Beccles
Suffolk
NR34 7HS
Telephone: 01502 676171