The RSPB’s Minsmere nature reserve was only 32 years old when I made my first visit, how time flies. Bitterns and bearded tits, avocets and marsh harriers – all much rarer then than now, really good news and all down to the safeguarding of that (extra) special place on the Suffolk coast.
From icon to logo - the relationship between the avocet and the RSPB started at Minsmere. Photo Chris Gomerall RSPB Images
I once met the first warden at Minsmere, or to more precise Watcher. Dick Wolfendale had been employed in Cheshire to look after a small reserve overseen by the local RSPB Watchers’ Committee. Shortly after the end of the Second World War and before our formal involvement in what was to become Minsmere in 1947 – he was dispatched to a secret location on the Suffolk coast. Only when he arrived did he discover that his task was to protect the avocets that had recently re-colonised the coast, taking advantage of the war-time flooding put in place to hamper any invading forces.
Here’s a great blog from the latest in line of RSPB site managers, Adam Rowlands. Have a read then plan a visit – you won’t be disappointed..
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