A Suffolk wildlife charity has been "overwhelmed" by the generosity of fundraisers after reaching a major milestone in its quest to raise £1million for a new nature reserve.

Conservation organisation Suffolk Wildlife Trust has now reached the halfway mark - £500,000 - as it bids to create the new reserve, known as Martlesham Wilds, on the banks of the river Deben.

READ MORE: Suffolk to get a new £1m nature reserve at Martlesham

The trust wants to turn the site into "a wild place that will be of immense value to local people and wildlife", as the land opposite the Sutton Hoo Anglo Saxon burial site is rich in nature and history.

East Anglian Daily Times: Martlesham Wilds is situated on the banks of the River DebenMartlesham Wilds is situated on the banks of the River Deben (Image: Steve Aylward)

The project's aim is to provide a home for some of the bird species that use the Deben as a popular feeding ground, including avocet, shelduck, curlew, lapwing and redshank, while the estuary is recognised as internationally important for waders and wildfowl. 

Michael Strand, the trust’s community fundraising manager, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of support from people across Suffolk and beyond.

READ MORE: Suffolk: £228,000 raised towards new Deben nature reserve

"This milestone keeps us on track towards our fundraising target, so thank you to everyone who has contributed so far.

"Martlesham Wilds will grow to become a great asset for the county, providing more space for everyone to enjoy nature, restoring threatened habitats and abundance of species, directly combating the effects of climate change and developing a healthier local economy."

East Anglian Daily Times: Lapwings are regular visitors to the River DebenLapwings are regular visitors to the River Deben (Image: Darin Smith)

READ MORE: Suffolk: Nature reserve fundraising hits £250,000 mark

He called on businesses looking to play a role in tackling biodiversity and the climate crisis to help the appeal reach its £1m fundraising goal.

The charity plans to leave the land to return to a patchwork of habitats following this year's harvest, which will support species of plants and animals and these will in turn support birds such as linnets and yellowhammers, while mammals and insects will also thrive.

To donate to the appeal, visit www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/martlesham-wilds.