Wild Aldhurst linked with Sizewell C applies to expand

Wild Aldhurst in Leiston opened in September this year, after energy company EDF spent £5m buying Aldhurst Farm, once an onion farm, and transforming it into a nature reserve.

This was done as part of the Sizewell C plans to re-home wildlife.

Now, the park has sent plans to East Suffolk Council to develop further.

EDF bought the land and created Wild Aldhurst (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The proposed development work includes enlarging the existing car park at the Abbey Road entrance, increasing the number of car parking spaces from just five to 20.

Also included in the plans is the construction of a visitor centre and associated access, drop-off and coach and mini-bus lay-bys and creating wheelchair access.

A bird hide structure and bird screen structure would also be constructed as part of the plans.

The nature reserve opened in September (Image: Charlotte Bond)

These plans have been developed in consultation with stakeholders, Leiston Town Council, Suffolk County Council and East Suffolk Council.

The application states that these developments would 'improve the visitor experience at Wild Aldhurst, creating a learning environment to engage and educate' and 'improve accessibility and create an inclusive place.'

When the reserve opened, Dr Steve Mannings, development consent order delivery lead for the Sizewell C project, said: "We want to see more people in Wild Aldhurst.

Dr Steve Mannings (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"We are about creating space for nature but also connections with people but it has to be in a sensible way.

"It has to be with all the benefits of working in a beautiful landscape."

East Suffolk Council will discuss the plans in the new year.

Wild Aldhurst opened in September (Image: Charlotte Bond)