“Famous for its avocets and hares, Havergate is also one of the most reliable places in the UK to see the amazing spoonbill, with its incredible spoon-shaped beak. In midsummer wading birds are already on their way south, and the island is awash with colour as many saltmarsh flowers spring into life, sheltering a superb variety of insects.”

All three events include a 20 minute boat tip from Orford Quay on October Storm, followed by about 2.5 hours on the island and a return boat trip. Places are strictly limited and must be booked advance by calling the RSPB Minsmere visitor centre on 01728 648281. Tickets cost £12 for RSPB members, or £15 for non-members, and boats depart at 9 am, 10 am, 12 pm and 1 pm each day.

Notes:
· Havergate Island is located in the Alde-Ore Estuary, close to Orford. Access is by RSPB boat only. Trips usually depart at 10 am on the first Saturday of each month, plus selected event weekends.

· There’s another opportunity to visit Havergate from Saturday 18 to Tuesday 21 August when the RSPB Woodbridge local group run their popular Havergate Adventure weekend. These are shorter trips, departing hourly from 9.30 am and can be booked after 1 August by calling 01728 723155. Tickets for Havergate Adventure are £9 for adults, £3 for children.

· The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. Nature is amazing – help us keep it that way. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England & Wales no 207076, Scotland no SC037654

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