Minsmere Bird Reserve
Bird watching at Minsmere is along nature trails through woodland, heath land and reed beds, with excellent hides and even to the beach. The reserve is rich in all kinds of wildlife and a wide range of habitats.
Suitable for enthusiasts, families, those who are new to bird watching and die-hard experienced bird watchers.
Just seven miles from Pelican Cottage in Aldeburgh with ample car parking, it is an ideal day out whilst staying at the cottage. Do not forget a visit to RSPB North Warren nature reserve, which is just under a miles walk from the cottage.
The seasonal attractions at Minsmere are varied and with some exciting visitors.
Spring about 100 pairs of Avocets return to breed, common terns, migrant wading birds pass through, marsh harriers. Minsmere is the best place in Britain to hear booming bitterns, nightingales singing from mid-April, Dartford warblers on the heath, great spotted woodpeckers and sand martins return to nest.
Summer young avocets, common terns and gulls, spotted redshanks, ruffs and other wading birds, little terns nest in a specially fenced area on the beach. Young marsh harriers, bitterns, bearded tits in the reed beds. Listen for nightjars and look for glow-worms on the heath at dusk in June and July. Dragonflies and butterflies are easy to see. Water voles are in abundance.
Autumn Migrant wading birds pass through, including curlew sandpipers, little stints and ruffs. winter wildfowl return, with teal numbers increasing. Brent geese move south from late September. The first Bewick's swans arrive in late October. Large starling flocks gather to roost in the reed beds. Swallows and house martins flock together before departing. Look for bearded tits on calm mornings. The red deer will be rutting on the heath in October. Redwings and fieldfares return and will be feeding on hawthorn berries.
Winter Several hundred wigeons, teals and lapwings will be joined by other wildfowl and wading birds. Bewick's swans and goldeneyes on Island Mere, and white-fronted geese. Hunting hen and marsh harriers, barn and short-eared owls and peregrines. There's a chance seeing of otters on Island Mere. Tit and finch flocks in the woods. Great spotted woodpeckers, red-throated divers and great crested grebes gather offshore.
New to bird watching?
There is an extensive programme of guided walks, many of them aimed at beginners. Our guides may be on hand at other times to help visitors in the hides. The bird watching hides provide excellent opportunities to see birds at close range throughout the year.
Families
There are Wildlife Explorer back packs that can be borrowed, free of charge (deposit required). These include an activity booklet, binoculars, bug box, identification charts and books, colouring pencils and much more. There are also free seasonal Discovery Trail guides for families. During the school holidays there are several family activities on the events programme.
In the visitor centre you can find out more about the reserve and its wildlife, browse in the shop or enjoy a meal in the Tea room.
Opening Hours
The reserve is open daily during daylight hours. Visitor centre open daily: 9 am - 5 pm (closes 4 pm from 1 November - 31 January). Shop open: 10 am - 5 pm (closes 4 pm from 1 November to 31 January). Tearoom open: 10 am - 4.30 pm (closes 4 pm from 1 November to 31 January); last orders 15 minutes before closing. Hot food served 11.30 am - 2.30 pm. Reserve and visitor centre closed 25 and 26 December.
Entrance Charges
RSPB members free. Non members: adults £5, children £1.50, concessions £3, family £10.
For the full programme of events through the year take a look at
Minsmere bird and nature reserve RSPB
01728 648281
minsmere@rspb.org.uk
Nearest town: Saxmundham, Suffolk
Grid reference: TM47367
Pelican cottage offers four star accommodation right in the heart of Aldeburgh high street with three bedrooms sleeping four adults and two children in bunk beds.
It is located midway between Minsmere RSPB bird reserve (7 Miles north) and Orford Ness National nature reserve (5 miles south as the crow flies)
Many bird watchers enjoy the close proximity to North Warren nature reserve (1 mile), and not forgetting Dunwich Heath (7 miles North) an area of outstanding natural beauty and designated site of special scientific interest.
Click to see holiday cottage facilities
