The Suffolk Coast

The Suffolk Coast is one of the UK’s most diverse areas.

It's home to an incredible variety of wildlife thanks to the mix of coastal, wetland, heathland and woodland habitats. The wetlands are of international importance for wildlife and the dry Sandlings heaths are unique to this area.

The picturesque towns and villages are popular tourist destinations, surrounded by quiet areas where you can escape the crowds. Many organisations are working hard to keep the coast pristine for people and wildlife.

Find out what’s going on near this Futurescape, including places to visit, news and local events, plus how you can work or volunteer for us.

• Suffolk

Reserves and other protected areas are a key part of Futurescapes. They provide core areas for nature to thrive and eventually repopulate the surrounding landscapes. The key RSPB reserves within this Futurescape are:

Boyton and Hollesley Marshes

Situated between the Butley river and Ore estuary, Boyton Marshes attracts breeding wading birds in spring and ducks, geese and swans in winter. It's also great for watching owls, butterflies and dragonflies.

Dingle Marshes

Dingle Marshes is a fantastic mix of coastal and freshwater habitats bordered by forest and heathland.

Havergate Island

This small island in the River Ore is famous for its breeding avocets and terns, which can be seen throughout the spring and summer. Access is by boat only and the trip to the island helps you to feel like you're getting away from it all.

Minsmere

There's so much to see and hear at Minsmere: splendid woodland, wetland and coastal scenery, rare birds breeding and calling in on their migrations and shy wildlife like otters. The booming call of bitterns can be heard in spring and beautiful bugs and colourful wild flowers are resplendent in the summer.

North Warren

This delightful reserve contains grazing marshes, reedbeds, heathland and woodland. Thousands of ducks, swans and geese use the marshes in winter, while spring brings breeding bitterns, marsh harriers, woodlarks and nightingales.

Futurescapes is all about collaboration. There are many organisations and people involved in managing land on the Suffolk Coast. Our challenge is working together to find ways of making more space for nature. To achieve this we’re working with:

• Dunwich Forest rewildling project
• The Environment Agency
• Essex & Suffolk Water
• Forestry Commission England
• LIFE+ Alde-Ore Future for Wildlife Project
• Natural England
• National Trust
• Suffolk Coast and Heaths
• Suffolk Coast and Heaths Balance tourism project
• Suffolk Wildlife Trust