Green belt status to protect River Lark water meadows, in Bury St Edmunds, and Jubilee Field, in Mildenhall

Water meadows in Bury St Edmunds and Mildenhall will be granted ‘green belt status’ in a new move by West Suffolk Council.

The River Lark Catchment Partnership, which works to nurture, monitor and restore the river, said the ‘ground-breaking’ decision would see all Bury’s water meadows adjoining the river granted the status, alongside Mildenhall’s Jubilee Field.

Andrew Hinchley,a trustee of the River Lark Catchment Partnership, said: “From an environmental perspective, this is possibly the best Bury council (past and present) decision for 1,000 years.

”What could be more important to those that love our Lark than to protect these precious meadows, not only for our lifetimes but for our children and our children’s children. Literally hundreds of acres of green space are protected.”

Find out more about The River Lark Catchment Partnership at https://www.riverlark.org.uk

In recent years there have been proposals to develop alongside the Lark – in 2015 a proposal to develop the Leg of Mutton was rejected after a campaign by the Bury Water Meadows group. Another proposal – a 1,250-home development straddling the Lark at Abbots Vale - was agreed.

Andrew added: “This is possibly the worst planning decision on an English chalk stream made in a generation.”

Sarah Gull, St Mary’s Church curate, said: “This is excellent news and a good example of teamwork between volunteers and the council, working for the benefit of future generations.

“Our environment is precious and good stewardship has never been more important.”

The Crown Street church is hosting a concert in aid of the The River Lark Catchment Partnership on April 21. Tickets are available through The Apex.