Scheme begins to reintroduce Suffolk Lungwort plant across the Waveney Valley
Efforts are under way to reintroduce an endangered species of plant back into the Waveney Valley.
Blacksmiths Cottage Nursery in Dickleburgh has joined forces with The Otter Trust to reintroduce pulmonaria obscura – otherwise known as Suffolk lungwort – to establish new populations in suitable woodland within the region.
Ben Potterton, of the Langmere Road nursery, said they hope to distribute 500 plants to suitable sites in Suffolk and Norfolk this year, with a further 1,000 plants available from 2025.
He said: “The first batch has been planted at Dickleburgh Moor Nature Reserve this week, with others being planted in and around Hoxne, Redgrave, Ditchingham, Earsham and Walsham-le-Willows.
“The Suffolk pulmonaria has been rare and threatened for far too long, so it’s time to cherish this plant as it’s part of our local heritage.”
The initiative is part of The Otter Trust’s Species Recovery Project which is funded by Natural England and aims to support some of the country’s most threatened species.
Trust chairman Roger Walsh said: “Our team are working with a wide range of groups, landowners and individuals to improve the species diversity of the Waveney Valley.
“Starting with the farmland at the edge of the catchment and working down to the river, we take a broad and collaborative approach to conservation and land management on both sides of the river.
“I am incredibly proud of our staff and volunteers, who grow and donate thousands of rare native plants across the area, assist parish councils with the management of common land and have been helping groups to cut hay meadows, remove obstacles and litter from the River Waveney.”
The plants are initially being grown at Shorelands Barn in Dickleburgh, before being transferred to a purpose-built nursery site at Earsham Wetland Centre near Bungay.
Any woodland owners who would like some Suffolk pulmonaria plants should email aidan@theottertrust.org.