Have you ever wanted to visit Suffolk’s only island? Here’s your chance! You can join RSPB guides for a special tour of the unspoilt wilderness that is RSPB Havergate Island, close to Orford, from Saturday 21 August to Tuesday 24 August 2010.
Local volunteers from the RSPB Woodbridge Local Group are offering this exciting opportunity during their special Havergate Adventure event, running for its 21st year.
RSPB Woodbridge group leader, Malcolm Key, said, “Suffolk’s only island has been an RSPB nature reserve since 1948, and for more than 60 years it has been home to the famous colony of breeding avocets, which first nested on the island in 1947.
“The island has a unique atmosphere and we are looking forward to welcoming new visitors as well as many regulars. You can get incredibly close to brown hares, enjoy excellent views of rare spoonbills, with their incredible spoon-shaped bills, and listen to the crunch of shingle beneath your feet and the cacophony of screaming gulls as you stroll around this beautiful island. Our guides will help you discover Havergate’s hidden secrets.”
Boats for the Havergate Adventure will leave Orford Quay half hourly from 10 am to 2.30 pm each day. Boats carry a maximum of 12 passengers and demand is likely to be high, so early booking is strongly recommended. Advance bookings can be made by contacting Malcolm Key on 01728 723155 after Monday 2nd August, and places can also be booked at the quay from Saturday 21st August.
Facilities on Havergate include toilets, a reception hut and several birdwatching hides. Binoculars will be available on loan free of charge. Light refreshments including homemade cakes, sandwiches, tea and coffee can be purchased on the island.
The round trip, including a guided walk, takes approximately two and a half hours and costs £7.00 for adults, and £3.00 for under 16s.
Last year the RSPB Woodbridge Local Group donated over £8000 to a variety of RSPB projects, and all proceeds from this year’s Havergate Adventure will continue to support conservation work in Eastern England.
On sale again this year is the group’s 96-page full colour book ‘Spread Your Wings: a guide to the five RSPB reserves on the Suffolk Coast.’ This book will be on sale at Orford Quay during the four days of the event, and at other times from RSPB bookshops, priced £5.00.
