Published on: Friday, 9 February 2024
Last updated: Monday, 12 February 2024
Above: The new sign at Oulton Broad South rail station. Credit: East Suffolk Lines CRP
Visitors to Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve, Suffolk, are being encouraged to leave the car at home and go by train.
New signage has been installed at Oulton Broad South station displaying information about the reserve and a map to help visitors by train find it on foot.
The new signage has been produced and funded by the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership in partnership with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, with support from Greater Anglia.
Bev Rogers, Engagement Manager at Suffolk Wildlife Trust, said:
"Carlton Marshes is one of our largest and most spectacular nature reserves, and one of the most accessible by train."
"The reserve has become home to a wonderful array of birds, invertebrates, and rare species, making it one of the most wildlife-rich areas on the Suffolk coast. We also have a fabulous new visitor centre with a cafe, viewing balcony, shop, and children’s play area, perfect for a family day out.
“We also run lots of events and activities throughout the year to help families, schools and local communities to reconnect with nature.”
Aaron Taffera, Chair of the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership, said,
“We are really pleased to improve our links with the nature reserve and highlight the easy rail connection. We hope it will inspire people to visit the reserve by rail.”
Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, Alan Neville, commented:
“It is so easy to get around East Anglia by train and have a day out that, literally, doesn’t cost the earth - as rail travel reduces your carbon footprint and helps to protect the region’s fragile habitats by reducing congestion and pollution.”
“Our new trains are more efficient and produce less particulate pollution than our old ones which is helping to make rail travel in East Anglia an even more environmentally friendly option.”
The East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership works with Greater Anglia, Suffolk County Council and other local organisations to help keep the Ipswich – Lowestoft and Felixstowe rail branch lines thriving for the benefit of their communities.