RSPB Minsmere
Minsmere RSPB reserve is a nature reserve run by the RSPB in Suffolk, England. It was established in 1947 as the Minsmere Bird Reserve.
Ecology
It is best known for its wetland breeding birds, including Great Bittern, Western Marsh Harrier, Pied Avocet and Bearded Reedling.
In September 2004 a moth species, Catocala conjuncta (Esper), previously unrecorded in Britain was found on the reserve. To acknowledge its place of capture it was given the common name Minsmere Crimson Underwing.
Conservation
Protected status
The Minsmere nature reserve, it's habitats and wildlife, are protected under UK law as a part of the 'Minsmere - Walberswick' Special Protection Area (SPA)[1] and Ramsar Site.[2] It is also protected as part of the 'Minsmere to Walberswick Heaths and Marshes' Special Area of Conservation (SAC)[3] and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).[4] The site is also included in the area covered by the the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB);[5] and the Suffolk Heritage Coast.[6]
Management
Access and facilities
The reserve is accessible by car from the A12 via the village of Westleton. It is also connected to Route 1 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network by the Suffolk Coast Cycle route. The nearest bus access is in the town of Leiston 4 miles (6.4 km) away and rail access is in Darsham 5 miles (8.0 km) away. It is also accessible on foot from Dunwich Heath, Sizewell Beach and Eastbridge.[7]
Minsmere has extensive footpaths throughout the site and seven bird hides are provided for birdwatching. Some but not all of these are accessible to wheelchair and buggy users. A visitors centre provides a cafe, picnic area, shop, toilets and baby-changing facilities. There is also an information centre and guided walks, binocular hire and childrens 'explorer packs' are available.[8]
History
References
- ^ "SPA description Minsmere – Walberswick". Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Retrieved 2010-05-13.
- ^ "Designated and Proposed Ramsar sites in England". Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Retrieved 2010-05-13.
- ^ "Minsmere to Walberswick Heaths and Marshes". Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Retrieved 2010-05-13.
- ^ "SSSI units for Minsmere-walberswick Heaths And Marshes". English Nature. Retrieved 2010-05-13.
- ^ "Suffolk Coasts and Heaths". www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org. Retrieved 2010-05-13.
- ^ "Suffolk Heritage Coast". Natural England. Retrieved 2010-05-13.
- ^ "Minsmere - How to get here". Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Retrieved 2010-05-13.
- ^ "Days Out: Minsmere RSPB Reserve, Suffolk". The Independent. Retrieved 2010-05-13.
- Axell, Herbert; & Hosking, Eric. (1978). Minsmere. Portrait of a Bird Reserve. Hutchinson: London. ISBN 0-09-128840-1
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