Westleton Heath NNR is part of the best remaining tract of heathland in Suffolk. In mediaeval 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; while 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 grassheath. 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.
Other invertebrates found here include rare solitary bees and wasps, the striped-winged grasshopper and glow-worms.
(www.english-nature.gov.uk)
a Picturesque Village in the county of Suffolk
(4.1 miles, 6.7 km, direction NE)A pretty seaside village along the Suffolk coast, sat along the mouth of the river Blyth, with the neighbouring town of Southwold 1 mile to the North. Within Walberswick there is.....
in the county of Suffolk
(5.1 miles, 8.3 km, direction NE)The beach here is of sand and shingle, it is safe for swimming except around the harbour entrance. The restored pier is a great attraction with an amusement arcade at the shore end...
in the county of Suffolk
(5.8 miles, 9.3 km, direction S)Thorpeness's quaint village sign gives the visitor some hint of the surprises to come, it depicts the House in the Clouds and Windmill, for which the village is most noted...
a Seaside Town in the county of Suffolk
(7.7 miles, 12.3 km, direction S)Aldeburgh is a seaside retreat with boundless charm. The history of the resort quite possibly reaches back to Saxon times, certainly during the Middle Ages it was a prosperous port and later it became known as a fishing centre...
a Seaside Town in the county of Suffolk
(8.2 miles, 13.2 km, direction SW)Snape is not simply unique for its beautiful location at the head of the River Alde, it is also unique as a village with an international reputation for music...
All towns in Suffolk
These are the evocative remains of an abbey founded when the order of the land was God first, followed by King and country. The.....
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On reaching the curve of Market Hill a quaint, colourful sign proclaims to the visitor that you have arrived in the pretty market.....
Visitors to this lovely town wishing to see the Nature Reserve have to catch a ferry from Orford Quay. The reserve is the.....
Orford Castle stands guard over the coast from a high vantage position above the River Alde. It was built by Henry II in the.....
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