An ambitious project to create six film histories about village life in the Lower Waveney Valley is gathering pace.

The Marshland Histories, exploring lives from Carlton Colville to Worlingham, is setting up an all-day launch on September 1 at the Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre.

Project organisers want people to come along with photographs and objects and relive memories of living in the area.

Marshland Histories is a collaborative effort between Suffolk Wildlife Trust and Poetry People, enabled by Heritage Fund.

The brainchild of Carlton Colville writer, Dean Parkin, the films will feature 'illustrated conversations' with locals, complemented by vintage snapshots.

Flood in The Street, Carlton Colville, early 1960s Flood in The Street, Carlton Colville, early 1960s (Image: JACK ROSE COLLECTION)

Mr Parkin said: "I'm excited to get the chance to shine a spotlight on the village where I grew up and where three generations of my family have lived.

"I'm really looking forward to hearing stories of other people’s childhoods, memories of the local shops and pubs, farming across the seasons, and different experiences of the marshes and wildlife.

"If you can bring a photo or object that helps tell your story, please do."

Worlingham bypass construction, 1980-81 Worlingham bypass construction, 1980-81 (Image: JACK ROSE COLLECTION)

Following the success of High Street Histories – 40k views online to date – the Marshland Histories plans to make similar 'picture podcasts'.

Naomi Jaffa, Poetry People's co-director, said: "Dean is brilliant at telling other people’s stories in beautiful little short films, probably because he really loves sharing them in words and pictures."

Street party in Poplar Road, Carlton Colville, for the Coronation of 1953 Street party in Poplar Road, Carlton Colville, for the Coronation of 1953 (Image: KAREN GOFFIN)

Mr Parkin said: "If you're not able to come along to the exhibition, we hope you'll get in touch and share your story in the coming weeks."

The event runs from 11am to 4pm.

For those who cannot attend the exhibition, an online launch is expected in early 2025, with the content created from exhibition interviews.

Sharing stories about Marshland Histories will soon be available through Facebook, YouTube, and the Poetry People website.