Suffolk weekend Part 2 Minsmere and Southwold

After a perfect 'full English' breakfast we headed off towards the coast again. Nowhere better than a visit to Minsmere  RSPB Nature Reserve.
The car park was quiet and not many people about. Some of the Bird Hides were still closed due to the virus. Some other areas were also closed off which was a shame.

We decided to walk along the shingle beach  to Dunwich Heath. It wasn't  easy walking at all. Walking right on the waters edge proved a little easier. But you had to be quick to avoid the incoming waves.

Dunwich Heath is a rare survival of coastal lowland heath; the Suffolk Sandlings used to form a lot of the Suffolk coast, but have mostly been developed for agriculture or built upon. The heath is mostly covered with heather, but there is also some woodland and grassland included in the reserve.
A variety of birds, animals and reptiles live on the heath. It is a particular favourite spot to see the elusive 'Dartford Warbler'. Sadly despite our efforts they remained elusive  on this particular day. Plenty of other Warblers in evidence though including the difficult to spot Cetti's Warbler.

Clifftop views from Dunwich Heath

Minsmere is in a low-lying area of the Suffolk coast approximately 24 miles (39 km) north-east of Ipswich. It is a very diverse area providing a number of important habitats,  for species such as Bitterns, Marsh Harriers, Hen Harriers, Avocets and our Old friend the Dartford Warbler.

The wetland areas include flooded lagoons  and grazing marshes provide over-wintering grounds for a variety of different waterfowl species.




The open hide at 'The Scrape was open though.  the Scrape is an artificial habitat, designed to replicate a natural saline lagoon. It is an excellent area for migrant wading birds particularly in Autumn and Summer.

On show today were; Sandwich Terns, Ringed Plovers, Little Egret, Canada Goose, Mallard, Shelduck and Redshank. Plenty of Reed, Sedge and Willow Warblers around too.

Sadly the Bittern Hide and the Island Mere hide were both out of bounds. Although I did see a Marsh Harrier from some distance as it flew past. They can often be seen hovering low over the reed beds looking for small mammals to eat. This bird or prey has an impressive four feet wing span which looks 'V' shaped when outstretched.

Of course the best time to see a Bittern is in the Spring when their 'Booming' like a foghorn can be heard. All part of the communication process during the breeding season.The reserve has one quarter of Britain's breeding population.


Minsmere really is a Birdwatcher's paradise but there are plenty of mammals to be seen too. Including a herd of about 300 Red Deer, Otters, Badgers and Water Voles. No doubt plenty of others too. We did see the Konik Ponies though, brought to Minsmere by the RSPB to help maintain our wetland habitats in good condition for wildlife.The name Konik  translates as little Polish horse. The breed was created by Polish horse-breeders to resemble, as closely as possible, the extinct wild horse of Europe, the Tarpan.  

Beach at Southwold with Pier in the distance

Leaving Minsmere we head up the coast to another of my favourite places 'Southwold'. The weather is grey and overcast but not as humid as the previous day.
There are a lot of people around and finding a car parking space is tricky. So many people have decided to stay in the UK this Summer with all the virus restrictions on traveling abroad. Those who do venture to foreign shores then run the risk of having to put themselves in quarantine for 14 days on their return.
A few hardy souls have braved the sea, while others are huddled on the beach or strolling along the promenade.

There is something particularly charming about Southwold. Almost an island, being bounded by the North Sea to the East, by the River Blyth and Southwold harbour to the South–West and by Buss Creek to the North, there is just the one road in to and out of Southwold.

Adnams Brewery

There is a lot to see and enjoy including the award-winning pier, busy harbour, cliff top cannon, working lighthouse, famous beach huts and of course Adnams Brewery. Throw in some unusual antiques shops and you have all you need for an interesting trip!

 The Lighthouse is operated by Trinity House, acting as a warning light for shipping passing along the east coast and as a guide for vessels navigating to Southwold harbour. Commissioned in 1890, and was automated and electrified in 1938.  The lamp has a range of 24 nautical miles (44 km; 28 miles).

Adnams Brewery was founded in 1872  by George and Ernest Adnams. The earliest recorded brewing on the Adnams site was in 1396 by Johanna de Corby. I am pleased to say the Adnams Southwold Bitter in the Sole Bay Inn (3.7%) was up to it's usual high standard.