The grazing marshes on Orford Ness were probably reclaimed under royal patronage in the 13th century and remained important to the local economy into recent years.

Some of the reclaimed marshes (in the Airfield site) were farmed for arable crops until 1989 and then abandoned. Since the Trust began management of the Orford Ness marshes in 1993, natural regeneration of grassland (i.e. without the use of cultivation and re-seeding) has been allowed.

By establishing water controls and managing water levels and grazing with cattle, together with mowing, the aim has been to establish habitats and feeding areas to attract breeding waders and over-wintering wildfowl.

©National Trust
Grazing marsh before natural regeneration

©National Trust
Grazing marsh under present regime

Note the mixture of short, long and tussocky grass, which creates ideal habitat for ground nesting waders such as Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) and Redshank (Tringa totanus) and meadow birds such as Skylark (Alauda arvensis) and Meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis). Numbers of breeding pairs of all these species are steadily rising.

©National Trust
Redshank nest in grass tussock