Officials at Suffolk's major wildlife and nature charity have received a boost after a blaze destroyed a viewing platform at a popular nature reserve.

Firefighters spent more than two-and-a-half hours tackling the blaze that destroyed the viewing platform that was popular with visitors to Oulton Marshes in Carlton Colville, Lowestoft.

Lowestoft Journal: The viewing platform at Oulton Marshes in Lowestoft, prior to being destroyed by fire last year.The viewing platform at Oulton Marshes in Lowestoft, prior to being destroyed by fire last year. (Image: Suffolk Wildlife Trust)

It happened on Sunday, June 12 last year with the North East Suffolk team at Suffolk Wildlife Trust left "devastated" by the fire.

Lowestoft Journal: The charred remains last year after fire destroyed a viewing platform that was popular with visitors to Oulton Marshes in Lowestoft.The charred remains last year after fire destroyed a viewing platform that was popular with visitors to Oulton Marshes in Lowestoft. (Image: SWT NE Sites Manager Twitter)

Now, a new lease of life has been provided - with a £5,000 donation from Persimmon Homes helping to restore the viewing platform.

With Carlton Marshes, together with Oulton Marshes, being a lowland reserve in the Broads National Park, a spokesman for Persimmon Homes said: "The donation was gifted to Suffolk Wildlife Trust who have been fundraising to repair the area after it was vandalised."

Lowestoft Journal: The cheque presentation, attended by Michael Strand, Community Fundraising Manager at Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Michelle Baker, Managing Director, and Jorden Knell, Sales Director, from Persimmon Homes Anglia.The cheque presentation, attended by Michael Strand, Community Fundraising Manager at Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Michelle Baker, Managing Director, and Jorden Knell, Sales Director, from Persimmon Homes Anglia. (Image: Persimmon Homes Anglia)

The donation was marked with a cheque presentation, attended by Michael Strand, community fundraising manager at Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Michelle Baker, managing director, and Jorden Knell, sales director, from Persimmon Homes Anglia.  

Mr Strand said: "We’re absolutely delighted by this kind donation from Persimmon Homes.

"The viewing area at Carlton Marshes gave visitors the opportunity to learn more about the wildlife, flora and fauna within the reserve and it was a real shame when it was vandalised.

"The money that Persimmon has kindly gifted us has gone towards replacing the platform and the benches on it.

"The area is set to be complete in spring 2023 and we look forward to seeing the benches and platform put to good use in 2023 and beyond."

Michelle Baker, managing director of Persimmon Homes Anglia, said: "It’s great to see the viewing platform at Carlton Marshes restored to its former glory, knowing it’ll be enjoyed by many for years to come."