Minsmere is the RSPB’s flagship nature reserve

In a stunning spot on the Suffolk coast just 15 minutes from the White Horse, Minsmere welcomes thousands of visitors every year to enjoy the stunning scenery and the staggering variety of wildlife. Little wonder that the BBC chose to broadcast their Springwatch programme from here for three years. Minsmere’s been a RSPB reserve for over fifty years and pioneered the use of observation hides to enable the visitors to see the huge range of birds that pass along the Suffolk coast throughout the year.

The range of walks and trails are vast and spread across woodland, heathland, dunes and shingle beach. You don’t need to be a seasoned bird watcher to spy an interesting or unusual sighting, such as a marsh harrier, avocet, bearded tit, nightingale or bittern. Birdwatching isn’t just for the warmer months, when the days get shorter and cooler and the habitats change with the seasons they can be just as intriguing. Look out for black-tailed godwits, peregrines, wigeons, teals and many a variety of ducks and geese. The migration seasons are spring and autumn and can prove to be an interesting time to visit the reserve.

At the visitors centre there are staff on hand to provide maps and advice on how best to spend your time. There are guided tours at set times and you can pick up bird watching kit to help identify the various species. There is a tea room for refreshments and a small shop selling souvenirs and associated equipment.