An independent school has pledged to continue looking after a Suffolk town's mere with the "same level of care and dedication" as that provided by a conservation charity.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust (SWT) has stepped back after being custodians of Framlingham Mere for 36 years and handed over responsibility for managing the waterbody to Framlingham College.

A spokesperson for the trust said handing over the reins would enable wardens to focus on land at nature reserves and other conservation activities.

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The mere overflowed during heavy downpours when Storm Babet hit Suffolk a year ago, flooding roads, homes and businesses in Framlingham.

The college's bursar Nick Rudston said: “The college would like to express its sincere gratitude to Suffolk Wildlife Trust for their dedicated stewardship of Framlingham Mere over the past 36 years.

"Their continued hard work has been instrumental in preserving and maintaining the Mere as an important ecological site and highly valued community asset. 

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“We will work closely with SWT over the next 12 months to ensure we fulfil our ongoing responsibility as custodians of the mere with the same level of care and dedication.

"All future management plans, involving our own staff or suitably qualified contractors, will demonstrate a commitment to protecting the mere’s biodiversity and ensuring it continues to be a place of natural beauty for all to enjoy.” 

The college is due to take over responsibility for the mere from September 30, 2025 and in the meantime the trust has pledged to share advice and knowledge to enable the college to maintain the mere as a wildlife haven "for many years to come".

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