Talking about the birds and the bees at Sudbury Railway Station!

Sudbury’s railway station has won fresh accolades thanks to the dedicated work of volunteers.

This time it is for the range of wildlife-friendly measures that are in place at the station, from the flower bed – which runs the length of the platform – to the host of habitats, from bug hotels to bird boxes.

As a result, the station has been given Wildlife Friendly Stations accreditation by Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

The station is looked after by station adopters Mark Mason and Maxine Hinshelwood, supported by Sudbury in Bloom as well as Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership.

In her report, ecologist Cathy Smith praised the varied planting, including perennials, shrubs, trees and climbers, which is able to provide food, shelter and habitat for pollinating insects, small animals and birds, as well as for larval stages for insects.

Other features noted were the compost bins – which can support hedgehogs and slow worms – as well as the bird box and bee home.

Sudbury in Bloom chairman Chris Storey said: “This is a great achievement and the results of Mark and Maxine’s hard work is clear to see at the station. I am delighted this has been recognised.”

In 2023 Sudbury was joint winner of the Most Improved Station title at Greater Anglia’s Station Adopter Awards.