BBC Radio Suffolk's Lesley Dolphin joins volunteer James Robinson at Lackford Lakes.

Lackford Lakes is in the north of the Suffolk county, situated between Bury and Mildenhall.

This is primarily a wetland site with 11 or 12 lakes that were originally gravel pits.

Several years ago 11 hectares of land were donated to Suffolk Wildlife Trust by local man Bernard Tickner and then in 2000 the rest of the land was donated when gravel extraction ended.

Long Reach Lake

Now the Trust, with the help of volunteers look after the 250 acre site. Last year a visitor centre was opened by David Bellamy and there are several hides across the reserve.

Visitors will see wildfowl in both winter and summer - from tufted duck to gadwall and shoveller. Several Kingfishers can be seen and on one of the lakes, 'Jason's Pool' a kingfisher bank has just been created - it will hopefully attract a nesting bird this coming season.

Jason's Pool

Jason's pool was created by money donated by the parents of a volunteer in his memory after his death.

Otters live in the area and so do Mink which the trust attempts to control. At present, a lot of work is being done to increase the reedbeds, in an effort to attract breeding bitterns.

At least one bird has been seen on the reserve over the winter, along with a Marsh Harrier and Bearded Tits. Every night around 20,000 starlings return to Lackford to roost. They can be seen swooping and wheeling around the skies before settling down for the night.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust sign at Lackford lakes

The reserve is open all year round, from dawn to dusk. There are paths and hides scattered across the site but dogs are not allowed. The Suffolk Wildlife Trust does not charge for entry but you can always become a member of the society at the visitor centre.