RSPB Minsmere – Summer Nature Exploration
How well do you know the area that you live in? We’ve lived in East Anglia all my life (well my parents have I’ve travelled a little bit) and in Suffolk for the last 9 years and we’ve never really explored the county much! So a couple of weekends ago after spending the spring evenings watching Spring Watch on the TV we decided to head to RSPB Minsmere and discover some Summer Nature.
Discover More:
Minsmere Details
Minsmere is on the Suffolk Coast between Lowestoft and Ipswich easily to get to on the A12 down some country roads and into the nature reserve.
It is run by the RSPB and if you are an RSPB member then the entry is free however if you aren’t then there is a fee for visiting although parking is free – the cost is £8 per adult, £4 per child, families – first child free, under 5’s free and students (with a valid student card) £5.50
There are excellent facilities as you would expect at one of the RSPB flagship reserves. A fantastic visitors centre with the all important sightings lists as well as shop, cafe and bathroom facilities.
The cafe serves hot and cold food as well as children’s menu and lunch boxes. We had the delicious baked potatoes which were perfectly cooked and I know that the cottage pie was amazing as well on my father’s recommendations.
What to expect
Minsmere has a variety of different environments which means instead of focusing on just seeing nature within one specific area you have lots of options – with a coastal trail, Island Mere and Woodland.
Each of the trails is clearly marked and from the visitors centre you have to pass the Wild Wood Adventure and Build a Den area which is ideal for kids exploring nature.
Don’t expect a playground this is much more educational and nature-based the kids can learn as they take on the roles of different animals found within the reserve.
Each of the trails we found easy and were able to complete the Island Mere and Coastal Trails within our visit (10:30 to 3:30 as well as a stop for lunch).
Dotted around the reserve are hides so that you can observe the animals without them knowing and we got to see some of the key species within the area. Famous for its bird life the reserve also has some fantastic Mammal, Fish, Reptile, Amphibian and invertebrate species that you can find on your visit.
But the birdlife is something else – during our day trip, we saw Marsh Harriers (species with global concern), a Bittern (critically endangered) and Avocets (species with global concern).
The kids started to write bird lists and have over 30 species that they saw within the nature reserve.
But I wouldn’t know a blue tit from a great tit
I know a lot of people are put off from going to a reserve because they really have no clue on what they are seeing and looking for and yes I understand that. But, the best way to discover what is out there is to head out. Throughout the reserve there are signs showing what you will see within a particular area. Within the hides, there are posters, guide books and even better volunteer and staff members who if you ask are very happy to help you spot and identify what you have seen.
Don’t you have to be quiet to bird watch – my kids aren’t!
I think this is a misconception – yes in some hides quietness is required – the Bittern Hide and Island Mere hide especially – you are likely to increase the chance of seeing an endangered Bittern if you are quiet.
But the RSPB know as I do that if we want to get the kids interested in nature early then they have to have fun and on the coastal path, there is the Wildlife Lookout a hide designed with children in mind.
As well as the on the day activities like the colour nature hunt which was my daughter’s favourite.
Find out about the RSPB’s Wild Challenge and how you can Join our Family Going Wild and learn about Nature
Family Events July – August
Over the school summer holiday, there are some family events on at the reserve that if you are in Suffolk/East Anglia it’s really worth checking out.
Pond Dipping and Family Nature Walk
Join them as you dip your nets into the Minsmere pond, to search for what life is present, then discover more about Minsmere’s Summer wildlife on a fun nature ramble.
Dates – Tues 26th July, Tuesday 2nd August, Tuesday 9th August, Tuesday 16th August, Tuesday 23rd August, Tuesday 30 August.
Time – 10am to 4pm
Cost £2 per child per activity or £3 for both activities plus entrance fees for none RSPB members
BOOK ON THE DAY
Owl Pellet Dissection
Discover what the local owls have been eating? Join the team and Suffolk Community Barn Owl project and discover just what the local barn owl population have been hunting and eating as you dissect owl pellets.
Dates – Monday 1st August, Monday 15th August and Monday 29th August
Time – 10am to 4pm
Cost – £2 per child plus entrance fees for none RSPB members
NO BOOKING REQUIRED
Minsmere’s Minibeasts
Go bug hunting at Minsmere on the bug trail and make your own minibeast home for your garden.
Dates – Monday 25th July, Monday 8th August, Monday 22nd August
Time – 10am – 4pm
Cost – £2 per child plus entrance fees for none RSPB members
NO BOOKING REQUIRED
Bird Ringing Demonstrations
Get up close with Minsmere’s bird as the Waveney Bird Club demonstrates how to ring birds so that you can discover more about the lives of the small birds like blue tits, greenfinches and reed warblers in the reserve.
Dates – Thursday 28th July, TYuesday 4th August, Thursday 11th August, Thursday 18th August, Thursday 25th August and Thursday 1st September
Time – 10am – 4pm
Cost – Usual reserve entrance fee for none RSPB members
NO BOOKING REQUIRED
Nature’s Survival Skills
Go wild and discover how nature survives with these amazing skills. Each week the skills will vary and change but it’s all about discovering and surviving become Bear Grylls of the Nature World.
Dates – Wednesday 27th July, Wednesday 3rd August, Wednesday 10th August, Wednesday 17th August, Wednesday 24th August, Wednesday 31st August
Times – First sessions starts at 10am
Cost – £2 per child plus reserve entrance fees for none RSPB members
PLACES LIMITED SO BOOK ON ARRIVAL
RSPB Minsmere – Family Nature Fun this Summer
LOCATION – Off the A12 between Ipswich and Lowestoft
COST – Free for RSPB Members, £8 per adult, £4 for child, Families – first child free, Students £5.50, Under 5’s Free
OPENING TIMES – Reserve Open from Dawn to Dusk and the Visitors Centre from 9am to 5pm over the summer
ADDRESS FOR SAT NAV – IP17 3BY
FACILITIES – Shop, WC, Cafe, Visitors Centre
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