Westleton Heath NNR
Westleton Heath NNR is part of the best remaining tract of heathland in Suffolk.
County: Suffolk
Main habitats: Lowland Heath
Area: 47 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
In mediaeval times a large area of heath known as the Sandlings (on account of its dry sandy soils) stretched along the Suffolk coast. Today only about 20% of the heathland remains, the rest has been lost to modern farming and forestry.
Birds of open heath and light scrub are well represented here and include tree pipit, dartford warbler, stonechat and nightjar; while the woodlands support nightingale and woodcock.
The local flora is typical of acid soil, with species such as harebell, tormentil, heath bedstraw and mossy tiliea on the grassheath. Cross-leaved heath may also be found in the damper areas. Of the heather species, common heather and ling predominate, and these, together with deep purple bell heather, provide an important nectar source for invertebrates such as the white admiral butterfly.
Other invertebrates found here include rare solitary bees and wasps, the striped-winged grasshopper and glow-worms.
Management of the heath involves the rotational burning of heather. Six different heather blocks are burnt at ages varying between seven and 20 years. This creates a mixture of age structures which are beneficial to wildlife: short heather with bare ground is colonised by the rare silver-studded blue butterfly, while older heather supports rare beetles and spiders.
Firebreaks limit the damage from accidental fires and provide areas of bare ground beneficial to burrowing bees and wasps.
Location and access
Westleton Heath is one km north east of the village of Westleton. The heath is crossed by a minor road from Westleton to the coastal village of Dunwich, two km to the east. The road, accessed via the B1125, offers access to two car parks, on and near the reserve.
The nearest train station is in Darsham, five km to the west.
Bus services along the A12 (five km west of the reserve) are provided by First Group.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local towns and villages. Leaflets and signs are available for visitor information.
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