RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve
Minsmere, Westleton, Saxmundham, IP17 3BY
Website MapOne of England’s top birdwatching spot and a great place for a gentle stroll or time out in abundantly nature-rich coast-side landscapes, just a short distance north of Aldeburgh. Home to everything from avocet to otter and booming bittern and Silver-studded Blue butterflies to Great Green Bush crickets, the range of habitats here include woods, reeds, lagoons, grass- and heathlands and vegetated shingle coast.
The best way to explore and discover the hides around Minsmere is by following some of the gentle waymarked circular trails – to the coast and around the scrapes; to the island mere hide; or via the woodland to the canopy hide. Don’t always be behind your binoculars though – look out for rare plants on the marshlands and vegetated shingle too! Families will enjoy the various discovery activities. Here are just a few species to spot:
- Avocets, Bearded tits, terns, bitterns, nightjars, nightingale
- Otters, Water Voles, Konik Polski ponies, Highland cattle, adders
- Silver-studded Blue Butterflies, Great Green Bush-cricket.
