Council buys riverside haven to protect it for future generations

16/03/26

Mid Suffolk District Council has purchased almost eight acres of land in the heart of Stowmarket to preserve it as a future riverside haven for nature and wildlife for future generations.

The land, between Takers Lane and the River Rat, adjoins the council’s existing open space at Pikes Meadow – unlocking potential for a new riverside walk, connecting Combs Ford and Gipping Way.

The council’s investment is a further step as part of work to enhance biodiversity and nature – protecting and strengthening the district’s wildlife and habitat diversity – and providing public green space, as well as safeguarding the land from future development.

The land is already home to several wildlife species which quietly thrive, sometimes just feet away from a busy dual carriageway.

Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing, Cllr Tim Weller said:

“The purchase of this land means we can not only protect this haven for wildlife for future generations – it also supports our wider ambitions around climate resilience and community wellbeing, as well as Suffolk’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

It unlocks a fantastic opportunity for us to open up a new riverside walk connecting the town, expanding and improving our existing green space, improving air quality, reducing flood risk through strategic riverside land management, and enhancing quality of life by providing a healthier environment for the local community.”

Detailed next steps will depend on the results of ecological surveys over coming weeks and further consultation with partners including Stowmarket Town Council, but in the meantime emergency tree works need to be carried out, taking care to minimise impact on any nesting birds, and existing litter will be cleared from the site.

This acquisition follows previous purchases of land in Onehouse, Thorndon and Palgrave for biodiversity and builds on the council’s previous successes and projects, including biodiversity mapping, a rural first of its kind tree canopy survey, and the creation of new wildflower areas across the district.

Mid Suffolk District Council also announced last November an investment of £1.8m over the next three years to accelerate its biodiversity work across the district, with around half of the funding going towards a new Nature Recovery Grant funding. The fund will be split equally between community-led projects and initiatives for the restoration of rivers and their catchments, supporting others to deliver nature recovery on their own land.

The Community Nature Recovery Grant is open for applications now, while the Catchment and Landscape Nature Recovery Grant opens for applications in April.