Minsmere

Some of the UK's rarest wildlife calls Minsmere nature reserve home. Take an idyllic walk through the reedbed or head to the coastal lagoons to see an array of birds, including Avocets, Bearded Tits and Bitterns. If you're lucky, you might even spot an Otter around the reedbed pools.

Minsmere’s mix of landscapes makes it an ideal spot to see how we manage and protect different habitats for the benefit of wildlife. On a visit to this Suffolk nature reserve, you can look forward to exploring reedbed, shallow lagoons, wet grassland, heathland and vegetated shingle. All our habitats are carefully managed to make them ideal places for thousands of species of wildlife. Take the reedbeds, where Marsh Harrier, Otters and Water Voles can be found. Or the heathlands, where Nightjars churr, Adders slither and Silver-studded Blue Butterflies flutter.

Don't be surprised to see ponies grazing here. They play a vital role improving the habitat for some of our rarest plants and minibeasts, such as the brilliantly named Great Green Bush-cricket. Water is a vital part of Minsmere’s appeal and we work hard to get water and salt levels right across the reserve, as different species thrive in different conditions. We are always developing our ways of managing the land, as well as converting former farmland into acid grassland and heathland, to make more space for birds such as Woodlarks and rare Stone-curlews.

Families can build a den together, explore the trails and play in the Wild Zone’s sand martin tunnels. Follow the seasonal self-guided trails in search of Minsmere’s wildlife. Families can take part in family-fun activities, like pond dipping or minibeast hunting, with friendly volunteers, during school holidays.

RSPB Minsmere is a great place to bring the family to enjoy nature on the Suffolk coast. After a friendly welcome in the visitor centre, there’s a choice of easy walks through beautiful woodland, wetland and coastal scenery. After you’ve finished exploring, why not browse our shop for a keepsake or relax and recharge in our nourishing café enjoying picturesque views of Minsmere?

Download our trail map, to help you plan your visit.

Group Bookings information

We ask that all groups (10 or more people) and externally led tours per-book their visit to RSPB Minsmere. We can only take a maximum of two coaches per day and our Schools on Reserves booking take priority on midweek term time.

You can make your Group Booking with us by emailing us at minsmere@rspb.org.uk or phoning our Visitor Centre at 01728 648281.

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