Trimley Marsh was created in 1990 from arable land by the River Orwell after the loss of nearby important Fagbury mudflats due to the expansion to the Port of Felixstowe. It is a combination of wetland and grazing marsh, containing scrapes with islands, a reservoir, scrub, reed bed, ditches and wet meadows. A sluice system controls the water to enable suitable conditions for wintering geese and ducks, while during the summer optimal conditions for breeding waders such as Redshank, Avocet and Lapwing. The site is managed by the Suffolk Wildlife trust (SWT).  

Web site: Trimley Marsh SWT

Directions: The nearest car parking area is at the end of Cordys Lane, just before Searson's Farm, Trimley St. Mary TM277357. From the car park to the reserve is a two and a half mile walk. Follow the footpath down towards Fagbury Cliff and once through Christmasyards Wood take the signposted path to the right.

Public transport via train, stops at Trimley St. Mary on the East Suffolk Line between Ipswich and Felixstowe, the station is situated between Cordy's Lane and Station Road - National Express. First Bus No.75, 76 and 77 runs regualrly on Monday - Saturday from Ipswich to Felixstowe, with 75A on Sunday and stops in Trimley St. Mary on High Street at the end of Station Road - FirstGroup Eastern Counties.

Bird species: In winter a variety of duck and geese species can be found including predominately Brent Goose, some White-fronted Goose with occasional small numbers of Pink-footed and Bean Goose. The reserve holds good numbers of Wigeon, Gadwall and Teal along with Mallard, Pintail and Shoveler while on the reservoir Tufted Duck and Pochard. Other species include Coot, Cormorant and Little Grebe. Many species of waders include Black-tailed Godwit, Snipe, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Dunlin and Knot. The Peregrine from Felixstowe Docks/Landguard occasionally visits. Other raptors that may be seen include Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Merlin and Short-eared Owl.

Local bird web site: Felixstowe Birding - Birding the Felixstowe Peninsula by Paul Oldfield.