Birdwatching in Suffolk is a joy as the landscape of the county is diverse and varied, and so is the range of wildlife that inhabit it. Avid birdwatchers and novices alike can enjoy a coastal walk and the possibility of sighting a Marsh Harrier or Avocet, or head north to the southern edge of the Broads where you can catch birds on migration taking a break for some bathing.
Inland are the reserves of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, the Royal Society for Protection of Birds, and English Nature, many of which have dedicated hides, and all of which boast a variety of bird spotting opportunities.
Here are a collection of the primary birdwatching sites in Suffolk. Where possible both directions and the Ordinance Survey Grid References have been included. For reference, the organization which maintains the sites is located in parenthesis next to the site itself. Happy birdwatching!
Alton Water (Anglian Water)
Grid Ref: TM1436
Alton Water, run by Anglian Water and coordinated with a group of local volunteers, has a three mile nature trail on the South shore which includes woodland, wildflower meadow, and a bird hide where you can view a wide range of wildlife both on and around the water. The North shore has another bird hide overlooking the a raft on the water which is a breeding ground for great crested grebes and terns in the summer. Alton Water is situated 5 miles south of Ipswich and the main car park at Stutton is on the B1080 which can be approached from the A137 from Ipswich to Manningtree.
Benacre Broad (English Nature)
Land ranger Map 156 Grid Ref TM 530830.
Benacre Broad is located halfway between Lowestoft and Southwold. Formerly the site of peat diggings in the 1700′s, this is now a popular spot for Wheatears, Meadow Pipits, and Linnets. If you head inward to the rougher denes and the West Kessingland Levels, you may spot short eared Owls, Kestrel, Hen and Marsh Harriers, and wintering Geese. Nearby River Hundred by the Benacre sluice is a great place to view winter Duck and autumn waders.
Blyth Estuary (English Nature)
Grid Ref: TM4675
A great place to see avocet, black tailed godwit, bittern, marsh harrier, and woodlark, the Blyth Estuary is located near the Walberswick, and is maintained by English Nature. It is open year round, and features a public footpath and bird hide. The estuary also features rare aquatic plants such as frog-bit and great bladderwort, which thrive in the estuary’s dykes; nearby meadows are home to marsh orchid, bog bean, as well as many sedges and rushes.
Dunwich Heath (National Trust)
Grid Ref: TM4768
Signposted off the A12, this site is located 2 miles south of Dunwich Village, 7 minutes north of Aldeburgh. It is part of the Dunwich Heath is a Heathland Conservation area, being one of the few remaining areas of ancient Sandlings heaths in East Anglia. It also features a number of great walks with amazing views, and the chance to spot Avocets, bearded tits, nightingale, and resident Dartford warblers. Admission is free, and for hours and further details, please telephone 01263 733 471
Havergate Island (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) RSPB
Havergate Island – a small island in the River Ore, which is accessible by boat from Orford Quay (B1084, B1078 to Orford) – is an important breeding place for common terns and avocets. This bird reserve also features 8 hides, where during the Spring and Autumn season a fantastic array of wading birds can be seen. Discounts for RSPB members, and the admission charge also includes the cost of boat transport.
Lackford Wildfowl Reserve (Suffolk Wildlife Trust)
Grid Ref: TL 803708
Originally created from former gravel pits, the Lackford Lakes are a must visit for birdwatchers in Suffolk. Rarities like black nested Grebes can be viewed along with osprey, buzzrd, and sparrowhawk. Summer brings sand martin, swallows, and kingfisher, and in the winter gull roost and redshank nest in the area. Migrant birds are regulars here-look out for black tern and little egret during migrations. Lackford Lakes boasts good walking conditions, wheelchair accessible hides, and a year-round opening. Telephone 01284 728 706
Landguard(Suffolk Wildlife Trust)
Grid Ref: TM285320.
For a more guided birdwatching experience, Landguard offers guided visits arranged with a Ranger. This reserve in the south of Suffolk is an excellent place to catch migrant birds, little tern, black redstart, and Weatear. South of Felixstowe, Landguard is also home to the Landguard Conservation Trust, a volunteer organisation and ringing station which is makes it one of the best recorded sites in Britain. Admission is free, and you can telephone 01394 673 782 to arrange a guided visit.
Minismere (RSPB)
Grid Ref:TM4766
Located off the B1125, and easily reachable from the A12, this famous RSPB reserve on the coast near Aldeburgh is a fantastic reserve with a variety of habitats. With woodlands, marshes, heath, and beach all within the same area, birdwatchers can expect a huge variety of different birds with over three hundred species in the area’s checklist. Be sure to look out for avocet, bearded tit, bittern, and marsh harrier. Minismere is free to RSPB members, and has a large visitor centre, shop, and a tea room for the weary watcher. Please telephone 10603 661 662 for more details.
North Warren (RSPB)
Grid Ref: TM4559
Located between Thorpeness and and Aldeburgh on the Coast Road, North Warren varies between grazing marshes, reedbeds, heathland and woodland. During the winter months it is home to thousands of wildfowl, and in the summer is a fantastic place for birdwatchers to observe breeding bitterns, marsh harriers, nightjars, woodlarks, and nightengales. Admission is free, and there are four miles of well-maintained public footpaths throughout the warren. North Warren can be accessed by train from the Saxmundham station. Telephone 01728 688 481 for more information.
Orford Nest
Grid Ref: TM4549
Orford Nest, a secret military testing site from the first World War, is now the home to the largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe. It contains a variety of habitats which act as breeding sites for migrant birds, making Orford Nest a great place for birdwatching and military historians alike. Reachable from the B1078 and B1084, it can only be accessed from Orford Quay. There is a charge for admission, please call 01263 733 471
Sizewell Belts (SWT)
Grid Ref: TM 454638
Primarily known for it’s amazing assortment of wildflowers, birdwatchers can get a glimpse of kingfisher, water rain, and barn owl, as well as bittern and the flighty bearded tit. With marsh, reedbed, and wet woodland next to heathland and beach, Sizewell Belts offers many types of terrain. Visiting birds like wigeon, snipe, and shoveler are attracted to the flooded marshes during the winter. The best time to visit is May through July, and while dogs are not allowed, there is full wheelchair access to the Woodlands. This site is maintained by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust.
Trimley Marshes (SWT)
Grid Ref: TM 260352
This fantastic wetland reserve is created almost entirely from arable land alongside the river Orwell, and is a habitat managed primarily for birds and birdwatching. The wet meadows are grazed by cattle, sheep, and wigeon and geese during the winter months. Wet conditions are maintained by a system of sluices, meaning perfect conditions for wintering wildfowl and breeding waders such as redshank, avocet, oystercatcher, and black-tailed godwit. The lagoon and islands provide a habitat for plover, duck, sandpiper, and greenshank. Trimley Marshes is located off the A45 near Felixstowe. Admission is free, and you can telephone 01473 710 032 for more information.