More than a drop in the Ocean Appeal

Weybread-based Harold Dean Charity (HDC) has launched a public ‘More than a Drop in the Ocean’ appeal to help secure the future of the spectacular Ocean Lake.

Renowned for its breathtaking sun and moon rises, fine views and dark star-filled skies, the Lake (formerly known as the Ocean Pit) situated in Weybread is one of a number of naturalised flooded former gravel workings in the former floodplain of the River Waveney. As home to an important range of wildlife its recognised through its designation as a Suffolk County Wildlife Site. Importantly it is also already widely enjoyed for low impact recreational fishing and sailing.

The Charity which has licensed the site for more than 40 years has been given, until December 2025, first option to buy the majority of the Lake to secure community benefits in perpetuity.

Over £265,000 has already been pledged towards the initial Appeal Target. We now have just under 7 months to raise the other £155,000 needed to ensure that the long standing environmentally low-impact activities can continue and new opportunities in support of the charity can be more fully explored. These could include the development of improved interpretation, viewing areas and a new nature trail if HDC’s appeal is successful.

Donations towards the purchase of the Ocean Lake can be made via the JustGiving Platform by following the link : https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/adropintheocean or scanning our campaign page QR Code. For more significant pledges of £250 and above appeal supporters are invited to get in touch via: harolddeancharity@btinternet.com

Jim Hutchinson, HDC Trustee