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| RSPB Minsmere, Suffolk |
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| If you are a bird or wildlife lover then this
is the place to come to keep you informed on what is happening
at the RSPB's Reserve at Minsmere. Our thanks go to Ian for
the information. |
| Minsmere General Information |
Welcome
Welcome to the Suffolk coast. With its wide range of habitats,
rich in all kinds of wildlife, there is always something to
see here at RSPB Minsmere - from bitterns to butterflies, orchids
to otters. One of the best ways of finding out more is to join
one of our guided walks. Our experienced guides will show you
some of the reserve's special wildlife, and explain how the
reserve is managed.
Important information
Is the walk for me?
The Birdwatching for beginners walks are aimed at newcomers,
but most other walks are suitable for everyone. Whatever your
knowledge or experience, our friendly and knowledgeable guides
will make you feel welcome and help you enjoy your visit. All
walks will last between two and three hours. Please note that
the weather can be unpredictable on the coast, so you should
dress appropriately.
Booking, costs and enquiries
Numbers on each walk are limited so advance booking with payment
is essential. Write, call in or telephone the visitor centre
on 01728 648281 to avoid disappointment. Unless otherwise stated,
all walks start from the Minsmere visitor centre. Please arrive
at least 10 minutes before the start time. Costs are: £5 adult
(£4 RSPB members), £2.50 child (£2 RSPB Wildlife Explorers).
Opening times
RSPB Minsmere is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm (or dusk if earlier).
The visitor centre is open from 9 am to 5 pm. The shop opens
at 10 am and closes at 5 pm. The tearoom is open from 10 am
to 4.30 pm, with last orders 15 minutes before closing. The
visitor centre, shop and tearoom close at 4 pm from 1 November
to 31 January.
Facilities
There are two nature trails (each about 1.5 miles) and eight
birdwatching hides. Two of the hides are accessed via steps,
and two via the beach. The rest of the hides and trails are
accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs. There is a charge
for non-members to use the nature trails and hides. RSPB and
Wildlife Explorers members go free.
Access to the visitor centre is free. At the reception desk
you can hire binoculars or an Explorer Backpack, collect a childrenÕs
Discovery Trail booklet, and find out more about the reserve
and the RSPB. The shop stocks a wide range of books, outdoor
clothing, gifts, binoculars and telescopes. You can enjoy a
light meal or snack in the tearoom. There are toilets, with
baby changing facilities, and a large car park beside the visitor
centre.
Disabled access
The visitor centre and adjoining toilet block are wheelchair
accessible. Several of the trails and three of the hides are
accessible, and work is continuing to improve access to other
parts of the reserve. Please call the visitor centre to discuss
access arrangements. We may be able to cater for wheelchair
users on some walks, with prior notification, but we regret
that many of the events are not suitable. We may be able to
arrange private tours if booked in advance (see Hire-a-Guide).
Refreshments
The tearoom opens at 10 am daily. Tea, coffee and croissants
will be available after several early morning walks, as advertised,
for an additional £2 per person. A meal is included on some
walks, as mentioned in the programme.
Visiting as a family?
Most of our walks are not suitable for children under eight
years old. If youÕre coming as a family, why not borrow one
of our popular Wildlife Explorer backpacks, or use our Discovery
Trail booklets to learn more about MinsmereÕs wildlife. Alternatively,
come along to one of the special family events listed in this
leaflet, including our fun-filled family days in August, or
book a personalised tour (see Hire-a-guide).
We request that children are always accompanied by an adult.
We request that children are always accompanied by an adult.
Cancelled events
Very occasionally, we may need to cancel an event at short notice.
We will try to contact everyone who has booked to inform them
of this. We reserve the right to cancel an event if we have
received no bookings 48 hours before the advertised start time.
Additional events
We may run additional events from time to time. For details
of these, please visit www.rspb.org.uk or enquire at the reserve.
Hire-a-guide
If you are unable to attend one of our advertised walks, you
could find out about our personalised tours. Our guides will
take small groups on a pre-booked guided walk, tailored as closely
as possible to your needs. These half-day tours can also cater
for families and less mobile visitors. We cannot guarantee to
meet all of your requirements, but we will do our best to find
a guide. To enquire about availability, please ring the visitor
centre on 01728 648281. Tours must be booked at least 72 hours
in advance. Costs will be £10 per person, with a minimum charge
of £20.
Dogs
We regret that dogs are not allowed on the nature trails or
in the hides, and we cannot accept dogs at any events, except
guide dogs. A limited amount of shaded parking is available
Ð please enquire at reception.
Getting to Minsmere
It is now possible to visit Minsmere by public transport. Coastlink
is a demand-responsive bus service that will meet you at Darsham
or Saxmundham railway stations, and can even carry your bike
or wheelchair. To book Coastlink, ring 01728 833526 by noon
the day before travelling.
There are cycle racks outside the visitor centre.
If travelling by car, follow the brown tourist signs from the
A12 at Blythburgh or Yoxford, and from Westleton village.
Contact details
RSPB Minsmere nature reserve, Westleton, Saxmundham, Suffolk
IP17 3BY. Tel: 01728 648281 Fax: 01728 648770 Email: minsmere@rspb.org.uk
As a charity, the RSPB is dependent on the goodwill and financial
support of people like you. Please visit www.rspb.org.uk/supporting
or call 01767 680551 to find out more.
East Anglia 24 is proud to be associated with Minismere and
pleased to publicise the monthly events on our pages. We thank
Ian for his regular updates. |
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