Restoration of the River Blyth
The river Blyth is an important wildlife corridor connecting various natural habitats together and is home to a
wide variety of important species, including otter and water vole.
The river is a great resource for people and wildlife, but suffers from issues like pollution and sediment input from nearby land, as well as historic modifications that affects the way it flow through the landscape.
This is why Suffolk Wildlife Trust are working in partnership with the Environment Agency to tackle these issues on
a catchment-wide scale on the River Blyth.
River Blyth Restoration Project
From the estuary,
which enters the North Sea at Southwold, to the non-tidal reaches and tributaries that wind their
way through towns, villages and farmland, the River Blyth is a beautiful feature of East Suffolk.
However, sections of the river suffer from pollution, sedimentation and historic straightening of the channel,
which means the river no longer provides the diverse micro-habitats that many species rely on.
Rivers are important wildlife corridors that connect habitats together and they are home to a wide variety of important species, including otter and water vole.
Because of its local importance and the above mentioned pressures the river is under, this is why work is now being carried out by Suffolk Wildlife Trust with a team of volunteer River Wardens, looking to restore and enhance the River Blyth.
The River Blyth Restoration Project aims to restore and enhance the non-tidal section of the catchment for wildlife, through tree planting, invasive species control and the installation of in-channel habitat features. Project work already has funding and will be carried out from May 2019 to at least March 2021.
Get Involved
If you would like to help protect and restore the River Blyth, you can volunteer as a River Warden. There are opportunities for practical volunteer work on the river and to get involved in important surveys to assess its heath. This is a great way to get out and about and learn more about your river.
The project runs from May 2019 to at least March 2021.
For more information, please visit the Suffolk Wildlife Trust Website or contact the River Blyth Advisor, Alice Wickman using the details below:
Email: Please enable Javascript.
Phone: 07826 897009.
Visit the Suffolk Wildlife Trust volunteering page.
Some Favourite Websites For March 2026:
Green Haven Holidays – Caravan and Camping Site near Halesworth
Stuart and Katherine have enthusiastically established their campsite in the village of Rumburgh just north of Halesworth. From the outset they were keen that this would be an eco-friendly business and are open from April until early October.
Logs Logs Logs – Family Firm delivering kiln dried logs to Norfolk and Suffolk, including Norwich, Diss and Woodbridge
Logs available in tipper loads and bulk bags for wood burning stoves, open fires and pizza ovens. In addition supplying firewood in bulk bags to Essex, Cambridgeshire, London and beyond.
The Southwold Railway Trust Shop – For all sorts of quirky souvenirs of the Southwold Railway
The Southwold Railway shop fully supports the Southwold Railway, it's Trust and the Steamworks attraction in Southwold. The Southwold Railway was a 3ft gauge line running 9 miles between Halesworth and Southwold. The Trust was formed in 1994
North Manor Farmhouse – Ensuite B&B accommodation in beamed Suffolk farmhouse close to the Suffolk coast and Southwold
Two B&B rooms, both with en-suite. Guest lounge with open fire. Discount for stay exceeding three nights. Sorry, dogs not accepted.
Southwold Model Yacht Regattas – Boating down on Southwold sea front
The Southwold Regattas are held every year on the boating lake by the pier. Events are open to all and new sailors and spectators are very welcome however new sailors should contact the committee before turning up to the event.