TIME TO CELEBRATE: SPRING IS SPRUNG - RSPB Minsmere - iceni Post News from the North folk & South folk

charities / Events in Norfolk and Suffolk / rspb / the coast / Wild Birds / Wildlife May 5, 2011

TIME TO CELEBRATE: SPRING IS SPRUNG

The cuckoos are calling, the butterflies are flitting and the bluebells are blooming. Spring is here. The RSPB is inviting visitors to its flagship nature reserve at Minsmere, near Westleton to join them to celebrate spring on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 May 2011.

The annual Spring Celebration is an excellent opportunity for visitors to discover some of Minsmere’s special wildlife with the help of knowledgeable RSPB wardens and volunteers, who will be located at key points around the paths.

RSPB spokesman Ian Barthorpe said, “Whether you’re a beginner or experienced wildlife enthusiast, Minsmere has plenty to offer. We’ll help you to spot elusive bitterns and nightingales, or simply to enjoy the spectacle of hundreds of gulls and avocets nesting on the lagoons. We’ll also look for early butterflies, dragonflies and flowers, and Minsmere’s popular livestock.

“We’re also pleased to welcome back the Waveney Bird Club who will be running their popular bird ringing demonstrations throughout the weekend. This is a great opportunity to see birds even closer than usual as they are fitted with rings to help us to learn more about their life histories.”

Spring Celebration runs from 10 am to 4 pm each day. As well as the ringing demo, there is a large demonstration of binoculars and telescopes, provided by Viking Optical of Halesworth. The event is free, although there may be a charge for some family activities, and normal reserve entry fees will apply. No booking is needed.

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 and Wales no 207076, Scotland no SC037654.

RSPB Minsmere is open daily. The visitor centre opens from 9 am to 5 pm. The RSPB Shop is open 10 am to 5 pm. The tearoom is open 10 am to 4.30 pm. Entry to the visitor centre is free. There is a charge for non-members to use the nature trails and birdwatching hides.

The RSPB would like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund, European Union Interreg IV A 2Seas programme, Essex & Suffolk Water, East of England Development Agency and the Suffolk Environment Trust for supporting the Minsmere Discover Nature Project. This is an exciting upgrade of visitor facilities and interpretation that is planned for 2011/12.