>August Events / charities / Events in Norfolk and Suffolk / rspb / Wild Birds / Wildlife August 4, 2012
The RSPB Woodbridge local group is inviting visitors to join them on Suffolk’s only island as the popular Havergate Adventure returns for its 23rdyear, from Saturday 18 to Tuesday 21 August 2012.
Group leader, Malcolm Key, said: “RSPB Havergate Island nature reserve is a unique place. Not only is it Suffolk’s only island, but it is famous as one of the first places where avocets – the birds on the RSPB logo – returned to nest in the UK. More recently, Havergate has become known for its incredibly tame hares and as one of the most reliable places to see the remarkable spoonbill. At this time of year, Havergate is also a busy stop-over for hundreds of migrating wading birds from the Arctic. ”
Havergate warden, Kieren Alexander, added: “Havergate is a special place not just for its birds, but for the amazing variety of plants and insects found there, and the rare opportunity to escape from the hectic modern life. You’ll enjoy some excellent views of the Orford landscape and enjoy crunching through shingle, or simply relaxing in one of our hides.”
Boats for the Havergate Adventure will leave Orford Quay hourly from 9.30 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 from Wednesday 1 August, and remaining places can be booked at the quay from Saturday 18 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 £9.00 for adults, and £3.00 for under 16s.
On sale this year for the first time, will be the group’s new, updated and expanded edition of their guide to the Suffolk Coast – now called ‘Suffolk’s Wildlife Coast: a guide to the RSPB nature reserves in coastal Suffolk’. This 124-page full-colour book will be on sale at Orford Quay and on Havergate Island during the four days of the event and at other times from the group website, www.rspb.org.uk/groups/woodbridge, RSPB bookshops, selected local bookshops and Tourist Information Centres, priced £7.50.
