The River Lark is a chalk stream originating near Bradfield Combust in Suffolk. Flowing for 57 km, it joins the River Great Ouse at Littleport. The Lark passes through Bury St Edmunds and Mildenhall, with water feeding from tributaries in rural landscapes south and west of Bury.
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The river remains navigable up to Judes Ferry near Isleham, where an operational lock is still in use. It also winds through the scenic Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds.
In certain stretches, the Lark retains its crystalline waters and clean gravels, features characteristic of healthy chalk streams. These areas provide vital habitat for wildlife, and the river’s journey takes it through 6 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Much of its route is bordered by footpaths, providing opportunities for exploration and recreation.
Despite its beauty, centuries of human activity have significantly altered much of the river’s natural character. Historically, it supported industry, navigation and farming, but repeated modifications have taken their toll on the river’s health.
Today, the Lark faces many pressures that hinder its ecological potential, including water abstraction, excessive sedimentation and pollution from both diffuse and point sources, all of which limit its ability to function as a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem.
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