Helping industry and nature to flourish side-by-side
Swans at Sproughton Enterprise Park. Photo: Babergh District Council.
The preservation of a large green oasis is set to be created near the Eastern Gateway Enterprise Park at Sproughton.
Although the former sugar beet site is now perhaps better known as the new Amazon distribution centre, it also houses a 23-hectare area of natural land – including woodland, ponds, reed beds and even a small island where the old river navigation cuts off a meander loop in the River Gipping.
A wide range of flora and fauna has been recorded at the site, owned by Ipswich Borough Council – with rangers sighting kingfishers, deer, otters, water voles, bats and badgers.
Cabinet members at Babergh District Council are to now consider giving the area formal designation as a Local Nature Reserve – protecting the area for generations to come, unlocking further investment, and helping it to become a valuable resource for local schools and community groups in future.
The designation, once approved by Ipswich Borough Council and confirmed by Natural England, would mean the area being managed in perpetuity for the benefit of the wildlife and local people – and enable greater community involvement, through the Greenways Countryside Project.
Babergh District Council’s cabinet member for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Nature Recovery, Helen Davies, said: “This site is ecologically significant, with a rich array of wildlife and biodiversity.
“My thanks to officers at both Babergh District Council and Ipswich Borough Council, for their working in collaboration on these proposals to protect this valuable oasis for future generations, and also unlock the potential for greater community involvement so that local residents can also enjoy this natural heritage.”
And Lucy Trenchard, Ipswich Borough Council’s portfolio holder for Parks and Climate Change, added: “This new Local Nature Reserve designation is very significant and will help to protect valuable wildlife habitat alongside the River Gipping. The recently upgraded river path provides access through the reserve with beautiful river views and a rich diversity of wildlife species.”