Pools viewed from trainline? (1 Viewer)

Hi all

I viewed some pools/ a working quarry from the Norwich to London line just before Ipswich (well several miles before). They looked like a prime birding spot and I wondered of anybody could enlighten me?

Joe

oncebittern86 said:

Hi all

I viewed some pools/ a working quarry from the Norwich to London line just before Ipswich (well several miles before). They looked like a prime birding spot and I wondered of anybody could enlighten me?

Joe

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There are a series of lakes/pools along the Gipping Valley from gravel extraction. Some have been turned in to amenity & conservation lakes, others fishing and new gravel extraction sites still continuing. They start at Needham Market, and then at Baylham and Barham and some at Bramford. Typical inland wetland bird species - ducks and Great Crested Grebe. Some get a bit of wader passage, generally the newer ones with birds like Green and Common Sandpiper and Little Ringed Plover. Bit of Tern passage in the Spring, the occasional Osprey and a Ferruginous Duck turned up on one about 3 years ago and Goosander can do to.

Many a nice spot for a walk and general birding. Part of it used to be my patch 30 years ago, but I don't visit much these days.

Gi

Thanks for this info. I've done some research and I think I might get a train to Ipswich or Needham and walk the Gipping valley river walk. I'm concerned I'm going to end up on the wrong side of the river though!

oncebittern86 said:

Thanks for this info. I've done some research and I think I might get a train to Ipswich or Needham and walk the Gipping valley river walk. I'm concerned I'm going to end up on the wrong side of the river though!

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Yes some trains stop at Needham which is best option, the lake by the station has path all the way round. The river footpath is easy to follow and will take you past various lakes, riverside wood and fields. Here's some info worth looking at - River Gipping Trust

Gi

Is it worth a look then or would you recommend other train accessible places for Suffolk birding?