Treasurer Wanted!

Reydon Village Hall Management Committee is looking for a volunteer treasurer.

The role includes monitoring income and expenditure; claiming gift aid; preparing reports and accounts; dealing with bills and the bank accounts; and the negotiation and coordination of contracts and licenses. The committee meets bi-monthly.

To have a chat about the role or express your interest, contact Charlotte – t: 07715 388916; e: frogclock@hotmail.com.

Free Community Coffee Morning & Lunch & Free Exercise Tasters for Village Halls Week

Friday, 20th March @ Reydon Village Hall

• Tea/coffee and toast (pastries when available): 9am–2pm.
• Soup and bread: 11am–12.30pm (plus takeaway soup – bring your own container).

Reydon Village Hall Management Committee in conjunction with Reydon & Southwold Community Fridge & Pantry.

Plus Free Exercise Tasters for Village Halls Week (first come, first served, max 20 per session, try as many as you like).

Friday 20th March, 9.15am–2pm @ Reydon Village Hall

• Zumba by Laura Dawson: 9.15–10am.
• Pilates by Helen Pybus: 10.30–11.15am.
• Yoga by Sarah Lewis: 12–12.45pm.
• Exercise by Barbara Warren: 1.15–2pm.

To join in a taster wear casual fitness clothes and trainers. For pilates and yoga, bring floor mats.

For more information contact Charlotte – t: 07715 388916; e: frogclock@hotmail.com.

Helping house martins

‘House martins’ was a popular topic for the February meeting of our local Suffolk Wildlife Trust group, and Martin Tickler brought his expertise to explain how we can support the declining numbers of these charismatic birds.

The reasons for the reduction of house martins are many and complex: the dangers of migration, habitat loss, lack of invertebrate food, and most particularly, changes in house-building design. They are a summer visitor to the UK, arriving from Africa in late April, and leaving again in September. They choose sheltered spots, under the eaves of buildings, and their mud nests require a rough surface for secure attachment.

Martin offered suggestions that can help. House martins need wet, sticky mud, and in droughts this can be a challenge, so in some places, an area of mud can be kept watered for the birds to use. The prevalent use of PVC fascias and soffits are unsuitable for nests, and Martin brought examples of nest cups made from sustainable material that can be fixed in place under eaves. House martins are quite sociable, and there are often numbers of nests close to each other, with birds repairing or adding to old sites. They will adapt an artificial nest if need be, adding mud to make the entrance smaller, hoping to keep unwanted visitors out. There are dangers. Sparrows are known to invade and evict resident birds and chicks. Great spotted woodpeckers can rapidly destroy many nests, searching for food. Predators such as hobbies and sparrowhawks can snatch the unwary.

In a good season, house martins will have two, and sometimes three, broods a year, with two to six chicks. Both parents raise the young, helping them to fledge, and juveniles can be seen feeding younger chicks, so it is very much a family affair.

It was an entertaining and informative talk, and for those wishing to learn more, House Martin Support Suffolk can be found at www.suffolkbirdgroup.org.

The details for our next meeting are a little different. We will be at Wenhaston Village Hall IP19 9EQ, on Wednesday, 11th March at 7.30pm. Steve Aylward, from the SWT, will be taking us on a Botanical Tour of SWT reserves. The cost is £5, to include refreshments; under 25s free. Everyone is welcome.

Contact us at swtblythvalley@gmail.com.

Penny Mansfield

Jeffrey Holland in conversation with Robert Ross – Plus Afternoon Tea!

Saturday, 7th March, 3pm @ Reydon Village Hall

In tandem with the publication of his memoirs, sitcom legend Jeffrey Holland, best-loved as holiday camp comic Spike Dixon in Hi-De-Hi!, will be in conversation with Britain’s Comedy Historian Robert Ross. Jeffrey will be sharing memories of working on such classic shows as Dad’s Army, Russ Abbot’s Madhouse, Are You Being Served?, You Rang, M’Lord? and Oh, Doctor Beeching!; as well as reflecting on his comedy influences and favourites, including Arthur Askey, Peter Sellers, and the bowler-hatted genius who inspired his celebrated, sell-out solo show And This is My Friend Mr. Laurel. It’s laughter guaranteed! The performance will be followed by a book signing of The First Rule of Comedy..!, published by The History Press. Tickets are £12 including afternoon tea and are available from Southwold Library at 01502 442817 or www.ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary.

Friends of Southwold Library Quiz Night!

Saturday, 14th March, 7pm @ Cardinal Newman Hall (Old Postal Sorting Office)

Teams of four – £3 per person. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Raffle. Book early to avoid disappointment, limited places. Contact Southwold Library at southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk or 01502 442817.

Easter Crafts @ Southwold Library

Tuesday, 31st March & 7th April, 11am & 2pm @ Southwold Library

Make bunny-, egg- and chick-themed crafts – different crafts both weeks. Free crafts – no need to book.

Chess Club @ Southwold Library

Friday, 20th & 27th March & 24th April, 4.30pm @ Southwold Library

Free play every week for kids aged 7+ and adults. Beginners’ teaching and assistance. Interested in other board or strategy games? Let us know and we can expand the group. Contact Southwold Library at 01502 442817 or southwold.library@suffolk.gov.uk.

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Activity Afternoons @ Southwold Library

Weekdays, from 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Join us for Card Games every Tuesday, Crochet & Craft every Wednesday, Rummikub on the first and third Thursday, Scrabble on the second Thursday, Board Games on the fourth Thursday, Poetry on the first Friday, and Mah-jong on the second and fourth Friday. There is an ongoing jigsaw all other afternoons. Free hot drinks, soup, and fruit are available all day.

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Rummikub Klub @ Southwold Library

Thursday, 5th & 19th February, 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Usually the first and third Thursday from 2.15pm. Free hot drinks, soup and fruit all day.

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Board Games @ Southwold Library

Fourth Thursdays, from 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Free hot drinks, soup and fruit all day.

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Card Games @ Southwold Library

Tuesdays, from 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Free hot drinks, soup and fruit all day.

Southwold Community Cinema

Wednesday, 25th March, 3pm @ Southwold Arts Centre

Enjoy a screening of The Life of Chuck (2024), a drama and fantasy film. Tickets are £5 including refreshments and can be booked online at www.southwoldartscentre.co.uk, by visiting the box office at Southwold Arts Centre, or by calling 01502 722572.

Blyth Poets ‘The Isle is Full of Voices’

Friday, 6th March, 2.15-3.30pm @ Southwold Library

First Friday of every month. All are welcome to read or just listen. We invite contributions of original work or well-loved poems. Refreshment break in The Canteen. Free event, no booking required.

Mah-jong Group

Friday, 13th & 27th March, 2.15-4.15pm @ Southwold Library

Second and fourth Friday of the month. Can you play mah-jong? Do you want to learn? Come along and join the group at Southwold Library. £1 per person.

Scrabble Club

Thursday, 12th March, 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Second Thursday of every month. All equipment supplied. Refreshment break in The Canteen. Free event, no booking is required.

Crochet & Craft Club

Every Wednesday, 2.15-4pm @ Southwold Library

£2 each.

A friendly group for all crafters as well as those who crochet (to any ability). Barbara will be on hand to teach crochet beginners, add to your crochet skills or troubleshoot problems, should you want to. Or just bring along your latest craft project and work on them together. Bring your own equipment or Barbara can supply crochet equipment at a price. Hot drinks supplied.

Lego Club!

Sundays, 12.15-1pm @ Southwold Library

Open to kids (and adults) of all ages. This spring we are building Wonderful Wildlife. All donations of Lego welcome. Free event, no booking required. Adults: would you like to help with Lego Club? Just ask staff.

Southwold Library Reading Group

Thursday, 26th March, 6.30pm @ Southwold Library

This month we are reading Agent Sonya by Ben Macintyre. Pick up a book at Southwold Library. Free event, no booking required. Contact us at 01502 722519 or southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

Baby Bounce & Tot Rock

Every Sunday & Tuesday, 10.30-11am @ Southwold Library

Instruments, clapping, jogging & action rhymes. For babies & toddlers of all ages. Free event, no booking required.

Statement of Community Involvement

Housing construction

We are reviewing our Statement of Community Involvement which explains how and when people can be involved in local planning, including planning applications and neighbourhood plans.

It also includes principles we will follow in engaging on a new local plan, which will set out where new homes, jobs and infrastructure will be located. 

You can read a short summary of the Statement of Community Involvement HERE.

Please take a look at the latest consultation and leave any comments you might have about how you would like to be involved in planning. 

Please respond by 5pm on 24th February 2026.

FIND OUT MORE

East Suffolk Planning Policy Team

FoSL February: Why Not Become Our Friend?

• Tuesday, 3rd February
• Wednesday, 11th February
• Thursday, 19th February
• Friday, 27th February

10am–12noon

Speak to existing Friends to find out how being a Friend of Southwold Library is free, fun and supports your library.

Friends of Southwold Library Registered Charity No. 1163525.

Meet Local Author Writer Carsten Clovelly

Monday, 9th February, 11am Talk @ Southwold Library

Local fiction author Carsten Clovelly will talk about his novel series featuring Nathan and Moriarty. Including their visits to Southwold!

Nathan Stockwood is a middle-aged, middle of the road actor. A fundamentally decent man with a slightly flawed conscience. His overly theatrical nature and willingness to bend the rules leads him into a succession of disastrous situations. Moriarty is a vast wolfhound of regal bearing and sharp intellect. His is the thankless task of keeping Nathan out of trouble.

Free talk, no need to book.

Transport Crafts

Tuesday, 17th February, 11am and 2pm @ Southwold Library

Free crafts – no need to book

Make helicopter-, submarine-, boat- and moped-themed crafts.

Crafts provided by the Friends of Southwold Library.

Terrific Train Fun! Trainmaster Suffolk

Thursday, 19th February, 10.30am and 11.45am @ Reydon Sports and Community Centre

Miles of track and trains to play with plus ride on train and a train roller coaster!

£4 per child for 1 hour’s play!

Limited spaces. Book your place today!

• Tel: 01502 442817.
• E-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.
• Online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary.

Jeffrey Holland In Conversation With Robert Ross – Plus Afternoon Tea!

Saturday, 7th March, 3pm @ Reydon Village Hall

In tandem with the publication of his memoirs, sit-com legend Jeffrey Holland, best-loved as holiday camp comic Spike Dixon in Hi-De-Hi!, will be in conversation with Britain’s comedy historian Robert Ross.

Jeffrey will be sharing memories of working on such classic shows as Dad’s Army, Russ Abbot’s Madhouse, Are You Being Served?, You Rang, M’Lord? and Oh, Doctor Beeching!; as well as reflecting on his comedy influences and favourites, including Arthur Askey, Peter Sellers and the bowler-hatted genius who inspired his celebrated, sell-out solo show, And This is My Friend Mr Laurel. It’s laughter guaranteed!

The performance will be followed by a book signing of The First Rule of Comedy..! (published by The History Press).

Tickets are £12, including afternoon tea and are available from Southwold Library: Tel: 01502 442817; online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/southwoldlibrary.

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Activity Afternoons

Weekdays from 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Card games every Tuesday; Crochet and Craft every Wednesday; Rummikub first Thursday; Scrabble second Thursday; Board games third and fourth Thursday; Poetry first Friday; Mah-Jong second and fourth Friday.

Ongoing jigsaw all other afternoons.

Free hot drinks, soup and fruit all day.

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Rummikub Klub

Thursday, 5th February from 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Usually first Thursday.

Free hot drinks, soup and fruit all day.

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Board Games

Third and fourth Thursdays from 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Free hot drinks, soup and fruit all day.

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Card Games

Tuesdays from 2.15pm @ Southwold Library

Free hot drinks, soup and fruit all day.

Southwold Community Cinema

Downton Abbey The Grand Finale (2025) 15

Drama

Wednesday 25th February, 3pm

In the summer of 1930, the Crawleys grapple with the threat of social disgrace when Mary finds herself at the centre of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble.

The Life of Chuck (2024) 15

Drama/Fantasy

Wednesday, 25th March, 3pm

From childhood to adulthood, Charles “Chuck” Krantz experiences the wonder of love, the heartbreak of loss and the multitudes contained in all of us.

The Choral (2025) 15

Drama

Wednesday, 29th April, 3pm

A choral society’s male members enlist in World War I, leaving the demanding Dr Guthrie to recruit teenagers and experience the joy of singing.

Tickets – £5 including refreshments. Book a ticket at southwoldartscentre.co.uk or visit the box office tel : 01502 722572 Southwold Arts Centre, Cumberland Road, Southwold IP18 6JP

Weigh your baby @ Southwold Library! 

• Tuesday–Friday: 10am–1pm and 2pm–6pm.

• Saturday: 9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm.

• Sunday: 11am–4pm.

No booking required.

Let us help you Get Connected

Every Wednesday, 10am–12noon @ Southwold Library

Need help with tech? A drop-in advice session where we can help you with things like;

• Setting up e-mail and social media accounts.

• Online shopping (Amazon, eBay and more).

• Basic support with smartphones, tablets and computers.

• Travel plans using Google Maps and similar tools.

• Staying safe online and avoiding scams.

For more information, ask Library staff or call 01502 722519; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

Friends of Southwold Library 100 Club

Would you like to turn your £1 in £25 and support your library?

For just £1 a month, you could win £25 at our monthly draw.

Southwold Library 100 Club is a fundraising club and money raised will be used to support the facilities and services supplied by the Library.

*** More members = More prizes ***

Ask to join at Southwold Library today!

Southwold Library Jigsaw Swap Shop

Come and help yourself to a jigsaw at Southwold Library completely free! You can take one and return it, take one and return a different one or just take one (we have plenty).

Come and check out what we have available.

Blyth Poets – “The isle is full of voices”

Friday, 6th February, 2.15–3.30pm

A poetry group meeting at Southwold Library.

First Friday of every month.

All welcome to read or just listen.

We invite contributions of original work or well-loved poems.

Refreshment break in The Canteen

Free event, no booking required.

Mah-Jong Group

Friday, 13th and 27th February, 2.15–4.15pm

Second and fourth Friday of the month.

Can you play Mah-Jong?

Do you want to learn?

Come along and join the group at Southwold Library. £1 per person.

Scrabble Club

Thursday 12th February, 2.15pm

Second Thursday of every month.

All equipment supplied.

Refreshment break in The Canteen.

Free event, no booking required.

Crochet and Craft Club

Every Wednesday, 2.15–4pm

£2 each.

A friendly group for all crafters as well as those who crochet (to any ability). Barbara will be on hand to teach crochet beginners, add to your crochet skills or troubleshoot problems, should you want to. Or just bring along your latest craft project and work on them together.

Bring your own equipment or Barbara can supply crochet equipment at a price.

Hot drinks supplied.

Lego Club!

Sundays, 12.15–1pm

Open to kids (and adults) of all ages.

This winter, we’re building: Humongous Houses.

All donations of Lego welcome.

Free event, no booking required.

Adults: Would you like to help with Lego Club? Just ask staff.

Southwold Library Reading Group

Thursday, 26th February, 6.30pm @ Southwold Library

This month we are reading: The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier.

Pick up a book at Southwold Library.

Free event, no booking required.

Tel: 01502 722519; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

Baby Bounce and Tot Rock @ Southwold Library

Every Sunday and Tuesday, 10.30–11am

Instruments, clapping, jogging and action rhymes.

For babies and toddlers of all ages.

Free event, no booking required.

The Reydon Community quiz commenced for the new year on Friday, 16th January with a loud and lively evening led by quizmaster Jim Archer. An eclectic selection of rounds included identifying the bass lines of popular songs – as played live on guitar by Jim himself! Winners were ‘Three’s Company’ with 124 points (winning for a second month in a row); in second place, ‘What the Eck’ with 118.5 points; and in third place, ‘Treacle Tarts’ with 114.5 points. As the old saying goes, a good time was had by all!

The evening raised a generous £345. Money raised this month was donated to the Voluntary Help Centre, in recognition of the huge support they provide to our community, including visits, voluntary diving and lunch club to name just some of their work. (More volunteers are always welcome, if you have the odd hour to spare!)

Amanda had received a thank you message from Reydon Christmas Lights for our donation to them in December.

With thanks to Jim, raffle helpers and everyone who supports the quiz, we look forward to seeing all the quizzers again on Friday, 20th February at Sole Bay Bowls Club. There is sometimes space for another team, so do contact me if you are interested in joining us, on ahumphry@talktalk.net.

The fascination of fungi

A hardy number of people braved the stormy wind and rain to come to our local Suffolk Wildlife Trust January meeting in Southwold. Tony Brown, a local naturalist of many years’ experience, presented a talk on the wonders of fungi. He explained that there is no scientific difference between a toadstool and a mushroom, as they are both essentially the same thing. The fungus that we see above the ground is the fruiting mechanism of the mycelium beneath, whether that is in the soil or within rotting wood. Mycelium can run considerable distances underground, and in the USA, some honey fungus mycelium has been found to be 30 miles long. No wonder it can spread so quickly.

Many fungal species have gills that store and spread the spores, but others have pores, ‘teeth’ or, as in the case of the ink cap, a cap containing spores that dissolves into a black ink, which was once used by medieval monks as a writing material.

Tony is an expert photographer, and we were treated to a fascinating visual account of the huge range of fungi, from bracket fungus to puff balls, coral tooth and dead man’s fingers: from startling whites to reds, ochres, yellows – the breadth of colours and shapes was extraordinary, and many were photographed locally. However, one rule Tony emphasised several times was never to eat any fungus unless you are completely certain of its identity. The deathcap is as deadly as it sounds!

We all enjoyed such a visual presentation, and it certainly encourages us to observe our natural surroundings more carefully.

Our next meeting is on Thursday, 12th February, at 7.30pm, at the Southwold Arts Centre IP18 6JP, when Martin Tickler will talk about ‘House Martins’. Entrance is £5, to include refreshment. Under 25s are free and it is open to everyone.

Contact us at swtblythvalley@gmail.com.

Penny Mansfield

The December edition of the Reydon Community Quiz took place on Friday, 12th December, and was a well-attended and enjoyable evening.

Quizmaster Brad led a quiz that got everybody thinking hard! Winners were “Three’s Company” with 84 points; in second place “What the Eck” with 79 points; and in third place “Who are we ?” with 77 points.

Together with proceeds from the huge raffle, the evening raised £360. Money raised this month was donated to Reydon Christmas Lights. The village looks so lovely in December, and the year-round hard work of the Lights Group is much appreciated.

Amanda had the honour of visiting the Scout Group at the end of November and presented Pioneer badges to some of the youngsters who our previous donation had helped.

With thanks to everyone who supports the Quiz, we look forward to seeing all the quizzers to start the 2026 quizzes on Friday, 16th January. There is sometimes space for another team, so do contact me if you are interested in joining us for the new season on ahumphry@talktalk.net.

Friends of Southwold Library Quiz Night!

Saturday, 24th January, 7pm @ Cardinal Newman Hall (Old Postal Sorting Office)

Teams of 4 – £3 per person. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Raffle

Book early to avoid disappointment, limited places. Contact Southwold Library (e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk; or tel: 01502 442817).

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Activity Afternoons @Southwold Library

Weekdays from 2.15pm.

Card games every Tuesday; Crochet and Craft every Wednesday; Rummikub first Thursday; Scrabble second Thursday; Board games third and fourth Thursday; Poetry first Friday; Mah-Jong second and fourth Friday.

Ongoing jigsaw all other afternoons.

Free hot drinks, soup and fruit all day.

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Rummikub Klub @Southwold Library

Thursday, 29th January and 5th February from 2.15pm

Usually first Thursday.

Free hot drinks, soup and fruit all day.

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Board Games @Southwold Library

Third and Fourth Thursdays from 2.15pm

Free hot drinks, soup and fruit all day.

East Suffolk Warm Welcomes Card Games @Southwold Library

Tuesdays from 2.15pm

Free hot drinks, soup and fruit all day.

Southwold Community Cinema

Downton Abbey The Grand Finale (2025) 15

Drama

Wednesday 25th February, 3pm

In the summer of 1930, the Crawleys grapple with the threat of social disgrace when Mary finds herself at the centre of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble.

The Life of Chuck (2024) 15

Drama/Fantasy

Wednesday, 25th March, 3pm

From childhood to adulthood, Charles “Chuck” Krantz experiences the wonder of love, the heartbreak of loss and the multitudes contained in all of us.

The Choral (2025) 15

Drama

Wednesday, 29th April, 3pm

A choral society’s male members enlist in World War I, leaving the demanding Dr Guthrie to recruit teenagers and experience the joy of singing.

Tickets – £5 including refreshments. Book a ticket at southwoldartscentre.co.uk or visit the box office tel : 01502 722572 Southwold Arts Centre, Cumberland Road, Southwold IP18 6JP

Weigh your baby @ Southwold Library! 

• Tuesday–Friday: 10am–1pm and 2pm–6pm.

• Saturday: 9.30am–1pm and 2pm–5pm.

• Sunday: 11am–4pm.

No booking required.

Let us help you Get Connected

Every Wednesday, 10am–12noon @ Southwold Library

Need help with tech? A drop-in advice session where we can help you with things like;

• Setting up e-mail and social media accounts.

• Online shopping (Amazon, eBay and more).

• Basic support with smartphones, tablets and computers.

• Travel plans using Google Maps and similar tools.

• Staying safe online and avoiding scams.

For more information, ask Library staff or call 01502 722519; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

Friends of Southwold Library 100 Club

Would you like to turn your £1 in £25 and support your library?

For just £1 a month, you could win £25 at our monthly draw.

Southwold Library 100 Club is a fundraising club and money raised will be used to support the facilities and services supplied by the Library.

*** More members = More prizes ***

Ask to join at Southwold Library today!

Southwold Library Jigsaw Swap Shop

Come and help yourself to a jigsaw at Southwold Library completely free! You can take one and return it, take one and return a different one or just take one (we have plenty).

Come and check out what we have available.

Blyth Poets – “The isle is full of voices”

Friday, 2nd December, 2.15–3.30pm

A poetry group meeting at Southwold Library.

First Friday of every month.

All welcome to read or just listen.

We invite contributions of original work or well-loved poems.

Refreshment break in The Canteen

Free event, no booking required.

Mah-Jong Group

Friday, 9th and 23rd January, 2.15–4.15pm

Second and fourth Friday of the month.

Can you play Mah-Jong?

Do you want to learn?

Come along and join the group at Southwold Library. £1 per person.

Scrabble Club

Thursday 8th January, 2.15pm

Second Thursday of every month

All equipment supplied.

Refreshment break in The Canteen.

Free event, no booking required.

Crochet and Craft Club

Every Wednesday, 2.15–4pm

£2 each.

A friendly group for all crafters as well as those who crochet (to any ability). Barbara will be on hand to teach crochet beginners, add to your crochet skills or troubleshoot problems, should you want to. Or just bring along your latest craft project and work on them together.

Bring your own equipment or Barbara can supply crochet equipment at a price.

Hot drinks supplied.

Lego Club!

Sundays, 12.15–1pm

Open to kids (and adults) of all ages.

This winter, we’re building: Humongous Houses.

All donations of Lego welcome.

Free event, no booking required.

Adults: Would you like to help with Lego Club? Just ask staff.

Southwold Library Reading Group

Thursday, 29th January, 6.30pm @ Southwold Library

This month we are reading: Underland by Robert Macfarlane.

Pick up a book at Southwold Library.

Free event, no booking required.

Tel: 01502 722519; e-mail: southwold.library@suffolklibraries.co.uk.

Baby Bounce and Tot Rock @ Southwold Library

Every Sunday and Tuesday, 10.30–11am

Instruments, clapping, jogging and action rhymes.

For babies and toddlers of all ages.

Free event, no booking required.

What would we do without wasps?

The Blyth Valley and Southwold group of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust welcomed the entomologist Dr Ian Bedford to our November meeting to talk about wasps. These insects aren’t usually met with much sympathy, but Ian’s talk showed us how to view wasps in a different light.

There are an astonishing 9,000 different species of wasp in the UK. All are excellent pollinators, a great help with pest control, and an essential part of the ecosystem. The great majority are solitary wasps, which are generally no trouble to us. They may live underground, or in nooks and crannies in trees, bushes or sheds. Gall wasps create odd little growths on leaves, branches or acorns to harbour their young. Other wasps are parasitic, using caterpillars and grubs as hosts for their eggs. Some, like the bee wolf, hunt a single species to feed their offspring.

Only about 1% of wasps are social, living in large colonies, and we have eight native species. The yearly cycle begins when a mated queen wakes from hibernation, begins to build her nest and to lay eggs. The workers, infertile females, then labour to build, protect, feed and repair the nest. Their lives are short, two to three weeks. Male drones hatch later, and once mated with a new queen, they too die. By late summer, the wasps’ need for sugar makes them uninvited guests at outdoor meals, but Ian suggests we resist the urge to swat them. They sting if provoked, and an alarm pheromone in the venom will attract other angry wasps. There are kinder, more effective ways to deal with the issue. They dislike certain smells, so have cloves-studded lemons, peppermint tea or thyme on the table. A false wasps’ nest hanging nearby has been shown to be effective, as wasps are territorial creatures. Their value in our gardens is significant and, where possible, they are best left alone. Wasps may even help humans medically, as their complex venom is being studied for new ways to fight bacteria.

 It was a fascinating talk that made us look at these useful insects in a much more positive way. Our next meeting is on Thursday, 8th January, 7.30pm, at Southwold Arts Centre. Local naturalist Tony Brown will talk about ‘The Fascination of Fungi’. Admission is £5, to include refreshments; free for under 25s. All are welcome.

Contact us at swtblythvalley@gmail.com.

Penny Mansfield