All of the events below are at RSPB Minsmere nature reserve, Westleton, Suffolk, IP17 3BY unless otherwise stated.

Guided walks

Costs: Adults £7, RSPB members £5, children half price, unless otherwise stated
Places limited. Unless stated, booking is essential. Call 01728 648281 or email [email protected]

June

Weekend wildlife walk
June: Sat 12 & Sun 27
Start at 9.30 am (2.5 – 3 hours)
Join us for a seasonal weekend walk to look for spring migrants, breeding birds and a host of other wildlife highlights that may be present at the time.

Magic of Minsmere
June: Thurs 3, Thurs 10, Wed 16 & Mon 21
Start at 9.30 am (2-2.5 hours)
Minsmere is a magical place so come and find out why, and how we keep it that way. Birds, animals, flowers and insects are all part of the magic that we will help you discover.

Bitterns and harriers
June: Wed 2
Start at 7 am (2 – 2.5 hours)
Discover what makes Minsmere’s reedbeds so special. You will look for the secretive bittern, displaying marsh harriers, colourful bearded tits and some of the other creatures found here. The tearoom will be open early after these walks so you can warm up with a hot drink and light breakfast.

Spring evening at Minsmere
June: Thurs 3
Start at 4.30 pm (3 hours)
Visit Minsmere on a spring evening as many species become more active. The evening light can be fantastic, so join our guides and watch the activity of Minsmere’s breeding birds and other wildlife.

Heathland wildlife
June: Sun 6 & Sun 20
Start at 9.30 am (3 – 4 hours)
Minsmere’s heaths are some of the less well-known parts of the reserve but have everything from adders and silver-studded blue butterflies to tiger beetles and Dartford warblers, red deer and many interesting plants. These walks will look for the characteristic species found off the beaten track.

Nightjars
June: Fri 4, Sat 12, Fri 18 & Sat 26
Start at 9 pm (2 – 2.5 hours)
Join us on a magical walk to find the mysterious nightjar, flitting low over the heath or ‘churring’ from a songpost. What other dusk activity will we find? You will need your insect repellent and a torch to light the way back to your car afterwards! These walks are very popular, so please book early.

Fabulous flowers
June: Fri 18
Start at 9.30 am (2.5 – 3 hours)
As well as its wonderful birds, Minsmere has many interesting plants. These walks will look at some of the fascinating species on the dunes and fen areas around the Scrape. The plant life varies through the year, so why not join us on several of these walks.

Sizewell flora – Bee orchids and sea pea
June: Sat 12
Start at 10 am (2.5 – 3 hours).
Beneath the shadow of Sizewell’s nuclear power stations we’ll search for many rare and interesting flowers on Sizewell beach, including a colony of bee orchids, and watch the kittiwakes nesting on the outfall rigs. Meet in the pay and display car park at Sizewell Beach. Sizewell is signposted from the B1122 in Leiston.

Special events for families

Special events

Springwatch with the RSPB at Minsmere
June: Sat 5 and Sun 6
10 am to 4 pm
If the BBC’s Springwatch series inspires you to look for wildlife for yourself, why not visit us at Minsmere, where we’ll show you Minsmere’s special wildlife, with the help of RSPB wardens and guides. We’ll look for nesting birds, including bitterns, marsh harriers and avocets. Our guides will also show you some of Minsmere’s marvellous minibeasts, including butterflies, dragonflies and moths, and you can try your hand at pond dipping. A great way to introduce your family and friends to Minsmere, and wildlife watching. (Timings for children’s activities include: 10am – pond dipping; 11am – minibeasts; 12pm – parachute games; 2pm – pond dipping; 3pm – minibeasts (all children’s activities to run for 45 minutes))

Moth night
June: Sat 19
Start at 8.30 pm (2 – 4 hours)
More than 1200 species of moth have been found at Minsmere since 1947. Join us as we look for a selection of these amazing insects as they are attracted to our special lights, and learn more about the creatures of the night.

Signs of new life: flowers and chicks on Havergate
June: Sat 19 and Sun 20
Boat depart at 9 am and 1 pm (4 hours)
Any trip to Havergate is special, and on this visit we’ll look for many signs of new life. The saltmarsh, shingle and grass banks will be a blaze of colour as flowers burst into life, while on the lagoons you should see many young gulls, ducks and other birds as their parents go about the serious business of breeding. Members £12, non members £15 (no child discount). Boats depart Orford Quay. Call Minsmere Visitor centre to book.

Digi-scoping workshops
June: Sat 26
10 am to 4 pm
Ivan Levett and Scott Mayson offer expert advice and practical help aimed at improving your digi-scoping skills – both in the field and using your computer. The workshop is open to anyone interested, from the experienced to beginners. You’ll learn about what equipment and settings to use then have a go at taking your own pictures in the morning. After lunch Ivan and Scott will show you how to manipulate your photos on the computer. This is an all day event. Lunch is not provided. Places are strictly limited and advance booking is essential. Cost £35 per person.

Binocular and telescope demonstration
June: Sat 5 and Sun 6
10am to 4pm
Expert advice on choosing the right binoculars, telescopes and accessories. Run in conjunction with Viking Optical of Halesworth, there will be a wide range of optics available to test and buy, so whether you’re choosing you first binoculars or looking to upgrade, we’ll have the right optics for you.

Digi-scoping demonstration
June: Sat 12
10am to 4pm
Have you ever wanted to take excellent wildlife photos with your compact digital camera? Talk to our experts about how to attach your camera to a telescope and discover the art of digi-scoping. There will be a selection of products to try and buy.

Art and photo exhibitions
All year
Visit the Minsmere tearoom gallery throughout the year to see a range of superb exhibitions of art or photography depicting some of Suffolk’s most spectacular wildlife. Contact us for details of each exhibition, or go to www.rspb.org.uk/events.

Events June 2010, by date

Events at North Warren
Events at Havergate Island
Events not on RSPB reserves
Events at Snape Maltings (all other events at RSPB Minsmere)
Family events
Free events

June:

Wed 2 – Bitterns and harriers: 7am
Thurs 3 – Magic of Minsmere: 9.30am
Thurs 3 – Spring evening at Minsmere: 4.30pm
Fri 4 – Birdwatching for beginners: 9.30am
Fri 4 – Nightjars: 9pm
Sat 5 – Springwatch with the RSPB: 10am – 4pm
Sat 5 – Binocular and telescope demo: 10am – 4pm
Sun 6 – Heathland wildlife: 9.30am
Sun 6 – Springwatch with the RSPB: 10am to 4pm
Sun 6 – Binocular and telescope demo: 10am – 4pm
Thurs 10 – Magic of Minsmere: 9.30am
Sat 12 – Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30am
Sat 12 – Sizewell flora – bee orchids to sea pea: 10am
Sat 12 – Digiscoping demo: 10am – 4pm
Sat 12 – Nightjars: 9pm
Wed 16 – Magic of Minsmere: 9.30am
Fri 18 – Fabulous flowers: 10am
Fri 18 – Nightjars: 9pm
Sat 19 – Signs of new life: flowers and chicks on Havergate: first boat 9am
Sat 19 – Moth night: 8.30pm
Sun 20 – Signs of new life: flowers and chicks on Havergate: first boat 9am
Sun 20 – Heathland wildlife: 9.30am
Mon 21 – Magic of Minsmere: 9.30am
Sat 26 – Digi-scoping workshop: 10am – 4pm
Sat 26 – Nightjars: 9pm
Sun 27 – Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30am


July

Weekend wildlife walk
July: Sun 4, Sun 18 & Sat 24
Start at 9.30 am (2.5 – 3 hours)
Join us for a seasonal weekend walk to look for breeding birds, butterflies, dragonflies and a host of other wildlife highlights that may be present at the time.

Magic of Minsmere
July: Fri 2, Wed 7, Thurs 15, Mon 19 & Fri 30
Start at 9.30am (2 – 2.5 hours)
Minsmere is a magical place so come and find out why, and how we keep it that way. Birds, animals, flowers and insects are all part of the magic that we will help you discover.

Heathland wildlife
July: Sat 10
Start at 9.30am (3 – 4 hours)
Minsmere’s heaths are some of the less well-known parts of the reserve but have everything from adders and silver-studded blue butterflies to tiger beetles and Dartford warblers, red deer and many interesting plants. These walks will look for the characteristic species found off the beaten track.

Nightjars
July: Sat 3
Start at 9pm (2 – 2.5 hours)
Join us on a magical walk to find the mysterious nightjar, flitting low over the heath or ‘churring’ from a songpost. What other dusk activity will we find? You will need your insect repellent and a torch to light the way back to your car afterwards! These walks are very popular, so please book early.

Fabulous flowers
July: Fri 16
Start at 9.30am (2.5 – 3 hours)
July: Sat 3 and Sat 31. Start at 1pm (2.5 – 3 hours)
As well as its wonderful birds, Minsmere has many interesting plants. These walks will look at some of the fascinating species on the dunes and fen areas around the Scrape. The plant life varies through the year, so why not join us on several of these walks.

Dragons, damsels, admirals and ladies
July: Wed 21
Start at 9.30am and 1pm each day (2.5 – 3 hours)
Minsmere is home to many hundreds of different insect species. We’ll search for just a handful of these flitting, buzzing and crawling creatures, from bright, obvious species such as butterflies and dragonflies, to more elusive bush-crickets, beetles and other mini beasts hiding in Minsmere’s varied habitats.

Introductory wildlife walk at Snape Maltings
July: Thurs 1, Thurs 8, Thurs 15, Thurs 22, Mon 26 & Thurs 29
11am (45 minutes)
Join us for a short stroll along the river looking for some of the many birds, insects and flowers found around the Snape Maltings area. Adults £3, RSPB members £2, children £1.50, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £1. No need to book. Meet at RSPB Wildlife Information Centre, Snape Maltings

Snape Discovery Walk
July: Sat 3, Sat 17, Sat 24 & Sat 31
11am (90 minutes)
Join an RSPB guide to discover some of the birds, insects and flowers found around the Alde Estuary and the new RSPB Snape nature reserve. Adults £5, RSPB members £3, children £2.50, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £1.50. No need to book. Meet at RSPB Wildlife Information Centre, Snape Maltings

Special events for families

Looking to the future: Minsmere family days
July: Thurs 29
11am to 4pm (allow at least two hours)
What does the future have in store for people and wildlife? Join us for day of family fun every Thursday during the summer holidays. Activities will vary from one week to the next, but will include a selection of crafts, games and hand’s on activities. Free event. No need to book.

Special events

Places limited. Booking essential. See details for costs.

Moth night
July: Sat 24
Start at 8.30pm (2 – 4 hours)
More than 1000 species of moth have been found at Minsmere since 1947. Join us as we look for a selection of these amazing insects as they are attracted to our special lights, and learn more about the creatures of the night.

Spoonbills and wading birds on Havergate
July: Sat 24 and Sun 25
Boat depart at 9am and 1pm (4 hours)
With their spoon-shaped beaks, shaggy crests and long legs, spoonbills are among the most unusual of British birds. The fact that they are scarce visitors makes seeing them even more special, and Havergate is the best place to spot these impressive birds. By late July they’ll be joined by hundreds of migrant wading birds, returning south from their Arctic breeding sites. Members £12, non members £15 (no child discount). Boats depart Orford Quay. Call Minsmere Visitor centre to book.

Digi-scoping workshops
July: Sat 24
10am to 4pm
Ivan Levett and Scott Mayson offer expert advice and practical help aimed at improving your digi-scoping skills – both in the field and using your computer. The workshop is open to anyone interested, from the experienced to beginners. You’ll learn about what equipment and settings to use then have a go at taking your own pictures in the morning. After lunch Ivan and Scott will show you how to manipulate your photos on the computer. This is an all day event. Lunch is not provided. Places are strictly limited and advance booking is essential. Cost £35 per person.

Binocular and telescope demonstration
July: Sat 3 and Sun 4
10am to 4pm
Expert advice on choosing the right binoculars, telescopes and accessories. Run in conjunction with Viking Optical of Halesworth, there will be a wide range of optics available to test and buy, so whether you’re choosing you first binoculars or looking to upgrade, we’ll have the right optics for you.

Art and photo exhibitions
All year
Visit the Minsmere tearoom gallery throughout the year to see a range of superb exhibitions of art or photography depicting some of Suffolk’s most spectacular wildlife. Contact us for details of each exhibition, or go to www.rspb.org.uk/events.

Events July 2010, by date

Events at Havergate Island
Events at Snape Maltings (all other events at RSPB Minsmere)
Family events
Free events

July:

Thurs 1 – Introductory Wildlife Walk at Snape Maltings: 11am
Fri 2 – Magic of Minsmere: 9.30am
Sat 3 – Binocular and telescope demo: 10am – 4pm
Sat 3 – Snape Discovery Walk at Snape Maltings: 11am
Sat 3 – Fabulous flowers: 1pm
Sat 3 – Nightjars: 9pm
Sun 4 – Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30am
Sun 4 – Binocular and telescope demo: 10am – 4pm
Wed 7 – Magic of Minsmere: 9.30am
Thurs 8 – Introductory Wildlife Walk at Snape Maltings: 11am
Sat 10 – Heathland wildlife: 9.30am
Thurs 15 – Magic of Minsmere: 9.30am
Thurs 15 – Introductory Wildlife Walk at Snape Maltings: 11am
Fri 16 – Fabulous flowers: 9.30am
Sat 17 – Snape Discovery Walk at Snape Maltings: 11am
Sun 18 – Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30am
Mon 19 – Magic of Minsmere: 9.30am
Wed 21 – Dragons, damsels, admirals and ladies: 9.30am
Wed 21 – Dragons, damsels, admirals and ladies: 1pm
Thurs 22 – Introductory Wildlife Walk at Snape Maltings: 11am
Sat 24 – Spoonbills and wading birds on Havergate: first boat 9am
Sat 24 – Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30am
Sat 24 – Digi-scoping workshop: 10am – 4pm
Sat 24 – Snape Discovery Walk at Snape Maltings: 11am
Sat 24 – Moth night: 8.30pm
Sun 25 – Spoonbills and wading birds on Havergate: first boat 9am
Mon 26 – Introductory Wildlife Walk at Snape Maltings: 11am
Thurs 29 – Looking to the future: Minsmere family days: 11am – 4pm
Thurs 29 – Introductory Wildlife Walk at Snape Maltings: 11am
Fri 30 – Magic of Minsmere: 9.30am
Sat 31 – Snape Discovery Walk at Snape Maltings: 11am
Sat 31 – Fabulous flowers: 1pm

August

Weekend wildlife walk
August: Sun 1, Sat 7, Sun 15, Sat 21 & Sun 29
Start at 9.30am (2.5 – 3 hours)
Join us for a seasonal weekend walk to look for breeding birds, butterflies, dragonflies and a host of other wildlife highlights that may be present at the time.

Magic of Minsmere
August: Wed 4, Fri 13 & Mon 23
Start at 9.30am (2 – 2.5 hours)
Minsmere is a magical place so come and find out why, and how we keep it that way. Birds, animals, flowers and insects are all part of the magic that we will help you discover.

Dragons, damsels, admirals and ladies
Aug: Tues 3
Start at 9.30am and 1pm each day (2.5 – 3 hours)
Minsmere is home to many hundreds of different insect species. We’ll search for just a handful of these flitting, buzzing and crawling creatures, from bright, obvious species such as butterflies and dragonflies, to more elusive bush-crickets, beetles and other mini beasts hiding in Minsmere’s varied habitats.

Butterflies and flowers at RSPB Snape
August: Sat 14
2pm (2 hours)
Your chance to visit the new RSPB Snape nature reserve and celebrate its rich variety of flowers and insect life, especially the many butterflies and dragonflies found there. We may even spot a few birds too. Adults £5, RSPB members £3, children £2.50, RSPB Wildlife Explorers £1.50. No booking required. Meet at RSPB Wildlife Information Centre, Snape Maltings

Special events for families

Looking to the future: Minsmere family days
Aug: Thurs 5, Thurs 12, Thurs 19 & Thurs 26
11am to 4pm (allow at least two hours)
What does the future have in store for people and wildlife? Join us for day of family fun every Thursday during the summer holidays. Activities will vary from one week to the next, but will include a selection of crafts, games and hand’s on activities. Free event. No need to book.

Special events

Places limited. Booking essential. See details for costs.

Havergate Adventure
August: Sat 21 to Tue 24
First boat at 10am
Organised by the RSPB Woodbridge local group for the 20th year, boats will run regularly for four days in August, allowing visitors to see this unique island and enjoy specially arranged guided walks. Boats leave Orford Quay every half hour from 10 am to 2.30 pm. Tours last 2 hours 40 minutes, including a guided walk. Refreshments and binocular hire will be available. Bookings can be made from 1 August by phoning 01728 723155. Adults £7, under 16s £3. Go to www.rspb.org.uk for further details.

Digi-scoping workshops
August: Sat 28
10am to 4pm
Ivan Levett and Scott Mayson offer expert advice and practical help aimed at improving your digi-scoping skills – both in the field and using your computer. The workshop is open to anyone interested, from the experienced to beginners. You’ll learn about what equipment and settings to use then have a go at taking your own pictures in the morning. After lunch Ivan and Scott will show you how to manipulate your photos on the computer. This is an all day event. Lunch is not provided. Places are strictly limited and advance booking is essential. Cost £35 per person.

Digi-scoping demonstration
August: Sat 14
10am to 4pm
Have you ever wanted to take excellent wildlife photos with your compact digital camera? Talk to our experts about how to attach your camera to a telescope and discover the art of digi-scoping. There will be a selection of products to try and buy.

Art and photo exhibitions
All year
Visit the Minsmere tearoom gallery throughout the year to see a range of superb exhibitions of art or photography depicting some of Suffolk’s most spectacular wildlife. Contact us for details of each exhibition, or go to www.rspb.org.uk/events.

Events August 2010, by date

Events at Havergate Island
Events at Snape Maltings (all other events at RSPB Minsmere)
Family events
Free events

August:

Sun 1 – Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30am
Tue 3 – Dragons, damsels, admirals and ladies: 9.30am
Tue 3 – Dragons, damsels, admirals and ladies: 1pm
Wed 4 – Magic of Minsmere: 9.30am
Thurs 5 – Looking to the future: Minsmere family days: 11am – 4pm
Sat 7 – Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30am
Thurs 12 – Looking to the future: Minsmere family days: 11am – 4pm
Fri 13 – Magic of Minsmere: 9.30am
Sat 14 – Digiscoping demo: 10am – 4pm
Sat 14 – Butterflies and flowers at Snape: 2pm
Sun 15 – Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30am
Thurs 19 – Magic of Minsmere: 9.30am
Thurs 19 – Looking to the future: Minsmere family days: 11am – 4pm
Sat 21 – Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30am
Sat 21 – Havergate Adventure: first boat 10am
Sun 22 – Havergate Adventure: first boat 10am
Mon 23 – Magic of Minsmere: 9.30am
Mon 23 – Havergate Adventure: first boat 10am
Tue 24 – Havergate Adventure: first boat 10am
Thurs 26 – Looking to the future: Minsmere family days: 11am – 4pm
Sat 28 – Digi-scoping workshop: 10am – 4pm
Sun 29 – Weekend wildlife walk: 9.30am

Visiting arrangements at Minsmere

Entry charges to the reserve:
Adult £5,
Child £1.50 (under 5s free),
Families £10 (two adults and up to four children),
Concession £3.
Free for RSPB and Wildlife Explorer members.
Your entry fee will be refunded if you become a member on the day of your visit.

Opening times
Nature trails and hides open daily.
From 1 February to 31 October:
Visitor centre open from 9 am to 5 pm.
Shop open 10 am to 5 pm.
Tearoom open 10 am to 4.30 pm, with last orders 15 minutes before closing.
Hot food served 11.30 am to 2.30 pm.
From 1 November to 31 January:
Visitor centre open 9 am to 4 pm
Shop and tearoom open 10 am to 4 pm.
Reserve and all facilities closed 25 and 26 December.

Facilities at Minsmere
Access to the visitor centre is free. At the reception desk, you can hire binoculars or borrow a free children’s Explorer Backpack and Discovery Trail booklet. You can also 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.

A permit is needed for the two nature trails, which are each about 1.5 miles long. Two of the eight birdwatching hides are accessed via steps, and two via the beach. The rest of the hides and trails are accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs. A free trail guide is available from reception. Sorry, no dogs on the nature trails, but they are welcome around the visitor centre and car park, where there is a limited amount of shaded parking.