Suffolk’s only island opens its doors to visitors later this month for the first of four summer events searching for Suffolk’s special wildlife.

Summertime on Havergate is a rare opportunity to join a guided tour of the unique shingle island that is RSPB Havergate Island nature reserve, with its mix of shingle, saltmarsh and lagoons.

RSPB Havergate Site Manager, Aaron Howe, said: “Havergate Island is famous as the home of the UK’s longest established colony of avocets, but is also one of the best places to look for other breeding seabirds such as gulls and common terns. Late summer also sees the return of the first migrant wading birds from the Arctic, while the grassy areas are ablaze with colour as flowering plants attract a variety of butterflies.”

Summertime on Havergate takes place on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July 2011. The first boat departs Orford Quay at 9 am, but as places are strictly limited advance booking is strongly recommended. Places can reserved by calling the RSPB Minsmere Visitor Centre on 01728 648281. Tickets cost £15 per person, or £12 for RSPB members. Each visit lasts about three hours and includes the boat trip to the island and a guided walk.

There will be further opportunities to visit Havergate for Spoonbills and wading birds on 6-7 August 2011, Havergate Adventure from 20-23 August 2011, and Island of avocets on 3-4 September 2011.

To keep up to date with all RSPB news from Havergate Island
· Follow us on Twitter: @RSPBHavergate
· ‘Like us’ on Facebook: search for RSPB Havergate
· Follow our Blog: www.rspb.org.uk/havergateisland and click on the link

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

Regular visitor trips to Havergate operate on the first Saturday of each month, with additional events on five weekends per year. Places are strictly limited, and Havergate is closed to visitors at other times.

Management work to improve the habitats and birds and other wildlife at RSPB Havergate Island and Orford Ness National Trust is funded by an EU LIFE+ grant. Follow news of this project at www.lifealdeore.org