FTS RSPB Minsmere

RSPB Minsmere, near Aldeburgh, Suffolk

RSPB Minsmere has one of the largest areas of protected woodland in Suffolk and supports a rich variety of breeding songbirds and an abundance of other wildlife, including some rare species.

Scottshall coverts were planted in the mid-19th century for game cover whilst the younger (c40 year old) conifer plantations were planted for commercial forestry and to afforest areas destroyed by accidental fires in 1956 and 1968. Artillery practice during the Second World War resulted in many of the trees becoming peppered with pieces of shrapnel, effectively rendering the timber commercially worthless. Much of Scottshall coverts was devastated by the October 1987 hurricane and some areas have been replanted, whilst others are being left to regenerate naturally. It is this selective replanting of Scottshall coverts, with a mixture of predominately Oak sapling, that will reinvigorate this woodland, safe-guarding its future for the variety of wildlife it holds.

Various methods will be used to create an environment for a wide range of invertebrates. The blocks of conifers will be thinned and replanted with a broadleaved mix, predominantly of Oak. Dense stands of Sycamore will be removed, opening up the old east-west ride for bluebells and other ground flora. There will be selective replanting in open areas and the addition of scallops and glades will increase the edge effect, increasing the amount of Honeysuckle and in turn the growth of the White Admiral butterfly, as well as providing sunny glades for sun-loving invertebrates.

The Visitor Centre is open from 9 am to 5 pm (4 pm 1 Nov-31 Jan). The tearoom is open 10.30 am to 4.30 pm (4 pm 1 Nov-31 Jan). The Reserve is open 9 am to 9 pm or dusk if earlier (closed Tuesdays and 25 and 26 December). Access to the visitor centre is free and access to the Reserve will be free to Family Tree Scheme donors on request.

Dedication Book:

This is available in the Visitor Centre.

Directions:

By Car: Travelling North on the A12 towards Lowestoft, go through Yoxford and then take the right turning to Westleton, following signs to Minsmere RSPB.

By Bus: Nearest stop at Theberton (3 miles/4.8 km), service twice daily.

By Train: Darsham (4 miles/6.4 km).

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International Tree Foundation is charitable company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 5219549.
Registered Office: lnternational Tree Foundation, Sandy Lane, Crawley Down, West Sussex, RH10 4HS