Suffolk Wildlife Trust hails departing Reserves Manager 

Having made a real difference to the environment, and left a lasting legacy at Suffolk Wildlife Trust, North East Reserves Manager Matt Gooch is moving to another role.

On his final day at the trust on November 8, having worked with the North East Suffolk team "for an incredible 19 years," there were lots of plaudits for Mr Gooch, from Lowestoft.

Carlton Marshes nature reserve, near Lowestoft. Picture: John Ferguson (Image: Not to be used without the written consent of copyright holder John Ferguson Photography) A Suffolk Wildlife Trust spokesman said he had "made a lasting legacy on the Trust and north Suffolk's wildlife."

After joining the Trust in 2005 when he was 24 as a temporary estate worker, the spokesman added: "Over his many dedicated years with us, Matt has been instrumental in some of our largest landscape transformations and most significant species works.

Matt Gooch at Carlton Marshes near Lowestoft. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Archant © 2018)

"He spearheaded the development of Carlton Marshes nature reserve which has become one of the richest wildlife sites in the East of England - a feat made possible because of his deep knowledge of the landscape and unending passion for wildlife."

Described as having been a "powerful advocate for the Trust, for the Waveney Valley, and for Suffolk's wildlife" throughout his 19-year career, Mr Gooch's passion led to the creation of thousands of acres of habitat for wetland birds such as avocet, bittern and lapwing.

The spokesman added: "It's because of him and his team that we now see many waders - and so many other species - in wonderful abundance at our north-east sites.

"All of us at Suffolk Wildlife Trust wish Matt the very best for the future.

"Matt - you'll forever be a wildlife legend."

Mr Gooch said that after almost 20 years at the organisation he had accepted a role and "new challenge" with the Water Management Alliance.