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If you’re looking to escape the city in Suffolk, then we’ve got the perfect trip out to go right to the top of your stack! At Minsmere nature reserve, reconnect with nature and explore miles of stunning countryside and natural landscapes, from tranquil forest walks to costal lagoons, discover some of the UK’s rarest birds and wildlife and bring the family together with fun activities!
Minsmere is made up of a range of different habitats and landscapes, that have long been havens for a range of different wildlife, including reedbeds, wet grasslands, shingle vegetation and lowland heaths. Despite being a wildlife paradise, there is in fact a fascinating story behind the site – while exploring, make sure to look out for the medieval chapel, thought to have been established in 1182, and the Second World War tank defences that were used to fight off costal invasions.
People come from across all of the UK to spot birdlife at Minsmere, and its no wonder why! Among other birds, species you can spot include: a large colony of avocets, once extinct from Britain but now thriving at RSPB sites; bearded tits skipping among the reeds throughout the year; bitterns, with a sizeable population of the species residing at Minsmere; marsh harriers who breed in the reedbeds; and nightingales, who can be heard singing loudly across the woodlands in the spring.
Minsmere Nature Reserve covers a sizeable area of 2500 acres, and has been declared as an area of outstanding natural beauty in the Suffolk Heritage Coast area.
Minsmere is also home to plenty of other wildlife – in the summer, keep an eye out for the amazing sight of glow-worms lighting up as dusk approaches, the red deer rut roaming the heaths in autumn, and birds of prey, including peregrine falcons and barn owls stocking up on food during the winter. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of an otter in the reedbed pools!
If you’re with the family, then there’s plenty to do to bring everyone together. Discover the wonders of nature at Minsmere at the Wild Zone and Wild Wood adventure areas, where the kids will be kept entertained by the play tree and child-sized nests, or the build a den and minibeast search activities. Stop off at the discovery centre and pick up one the self-guided activity packages, and enjoy fantastic views of special birds at the wildlife lookout area. If you want to experience Minsmere to the fullest, then you can hire one of RSPB’s expert guides to show you around the reserve, tailoring your trip to make sure you see your favourite wildlife!
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