Suffolk Wildlife Trust has teamed up with the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership to inform visitors to Oulton Broad South station about the Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve, which is situated in the Waveney Valley at the southern end of the Broads National Park.
In a bid to give people more greener options of travel and to reconnect with nature, the Suffolk nature reserve is encouraging visitors to take the train instead of the car.
The new signs, which were installed with support by Greater Anglia, display information about the Nature Reserve and how passengers can walk to the attraction.
Bev Rogers, Engagement Manager at Suffolk Wildlife Trust, said: “Carlton Marshes is one of our largest and most spectacular nature reserves, and one of the most accessible by train. The reserve has become home to a wonderful array of birds, invertebrates, and rare species, making it one of the most wildlife-rich areas on the Suffolk coast. We also have a fabulous new visitor centre with a cafe, viewing balcony, shop, and children's play area, perfect for a family day out. We also run lots of events and activities throughout the year to help families, schools and local communities to reconnect with nature.”
Aaron Taffera, Chair of the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership, said, “We are really pleased to improve our links with the nature reserve and highlight the easy rail connection. We hope it will inspire people to visit the reserve by rail.”
Greater Anglia's Customer and Community Engagement Manager, Alan Neville, stated: “It is so easy to get around East Anglia by train and have a day out that, literally, doesn't cost the earth – as rail travel reduces your carbon footprint and helps to protect the region's fragile habitats by reducing congestion and pollution. Our new trains are more efficient and produce less particulate pollution than our old ones which is helping to make rail travel in East Anglia an even more environmentally friendly option.”
In order to benefit local communities in the area, The East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership works with Greater Anglia, Suffolk County Council and other local organisations to help keep the Ipswich – Lowestoft and Felixstowe branch line railways thriving.
