The Mere, Framlingham
One of the finest views in inland Suffolk; stand on the castle ramparts and look down on this wetland paradise of Framlingham Mere.

Not only is this is a beautiful site but a fascinating wildlife habitat. The sedge beds - are rare in Suffolk - and stream are home to hundreds of migrating birds. Marsh marigolds, delicate ragged-robin and lady's smock litter the banks in spring, and if water levels are not too high you can see green and common sandepiper and snipe.

Mickfield Meadow, Mickfield
Suffolk's oldest nature reserve, designated in 1923 can be reached by taking the A1120 from Framlingham towards Stowmarket. At Stonham Aspal take the Mickfield road through the village of Mickfield and past Greenwood Farm. There is a car park with access to the meadow on your right.

A stunning flower-rich hay meadow, the area has never been sprayed or fertilised and consequently contains a host of wildflowers, many of which are now scarce in Suffolk. You can see goldilocks buttercup and wood anemone; whilst in the wetter parts of the meadow there are marshland flowers including ragged-robin, meadowsweet and snake's head
fritillary. The boundary hedges are maintained by the traditional method of coppicing, which creates wonderful wildlife habitats.

Darsham Marshes
Take the A1120 to Yoxford, turn left on to the A12, the second turning on the right, signposted Westleton takes you to a car park on the right from where you can walk to Darsham Marshes.

Barn owl and marsh harrier can be seen throughout the year. In spring and early summer the marshes are covered in a carpet of rich pink and yellow; the ragged-robin, yellow flag, marsh marigold and southern marsh orchid all flourish here, whilst the song of the reed, sedge and grasshopper warbler can be heard from within the fen vegetation. A network of dykes and two ponds provide a rich habitat for frogs, grass snakes, dragonflies and damselflies and whilst not often seen, otter and water vole frequent the dykes.

In winter hen harrier and snipe fly overhead while the fieldfare and redwing feed on the hedgerow berries.

Cattle and sheep graze the marshes and help maintain this beautiful area.