As Suffolk's best nature reserve, and one of the county's most popular visitor attractions, we are pleased to be involved with the forthcoming Suffolk Day, on Thursday 21 June. After all, Minsmere's Big Five continue to attract hundreds of visitors to Suffolk every year, long after the RSPB helped to secure their future in the UK thanks to research and habitat management work here at Minsmere. What are our Big Five? Avocet, bittern, marsh harrier, bearded tit and nightingale. The first three should be quite easy to find in June. Bearded tits will be present, but may be more tricky to see. Nightingales will, unfortunately have stopped singing by 21 June, but there's so much more to see as well that you won't leave disappointed.
Avocet by Jon Evans
Suffolk Day is a chance to celebrate all that is great about our county: stunning scenery, amazing wildlife, quiet villages, the bustling county town of Ipswich, historical buildings, industrial and agricultural heritage, plus, of course, food, drink, music and the arts.
Many counties, regions and countries have their day of celebration - think of St George's Day for England, or St Andrew's Day in Scotland, or, more recently, Yorkshire Day. Suffolk Day began last year, as the brainchild of BBC Radio Suffolk presenter Mark Murphy, and it's planned to become an annual date in Suffolk's calendar. As well as BBC Radio Suffolk, partners include Archant (who publish our regional newspaper, the East Anglian Daily Times), Visit Suffolk, The Suffolk Coast Ltd, the University of Suffolk, Suffolk County Council and various other local organisations.
There are some amazing events planned across the county to celebrate Suffolk Day, and we have some exciting activities planned at Minsmere too.
Firstly, all Suffolk residents are entitled to FREE ENTRY to RSPB Minsmere for the day - simply show us proof of residence on arrival to take up this offer, saving up to £9 per person for non members. Of course, we hope you all have a great day out and decide to support us by becoming members and enjoying unlimited free entry.
Our enthusiastic volunteer guides will be leading two guided walks during the day, starting at 10 am and 2 pm. These walks will give you the perfect chance to spot some of Minsmere's amazing wildlife, including nesting avocets, black-headed and Mediterranean gulls and common terns, plus various insects and flowers that call Minsmere home. Places are limited on these walks, so advance booking is advisable - to book see: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/suffolk-day-wildlife-walks-at-rspb-minsmere-tickets-44261874458. Tickets will be available on the day, subject to availability. Other volunteer guides will be located at key hotspots around the reserve to help you spot more of the wildlife, and discover Minsmere for yourself.
For those who think they already know Minsmere quite well, there's also our challenging, but fun, Suffolk Day Treasure Hunt. By following the two-mile long Coast Trail around the Scrape, you can try to answer our 30 questions about Minsmere and Suffolk. For example, do you know what is inscribed on the 30th concrete tank trap when walking south from the North Wall, or the name of the wickerwork hide for children near South Belt Crossroads? We'll be launching this treasure hunt on Suffolk Day, and it will be available for the rest of the summer. There are no prizes, but we're sure you'll have fun taking part anyway.
The tank traps
You couldn't be in better hands either. The volunteers who are leading the walk and have pulled together the treasure trail are Suffolk born and bred, and have been visiting Minsmere for far longer than I have - hence one or two questions may just catch you out, if you're not careful.
Finally, our cafe serves a great selection of hot and cold food and drinks, much of it made here using the best Suffolk produce. So, after completing your walk, don't forget to pop into the cafe for a cheese scone, cherry shortbread, soup and coffee, or even a delicious fruit crumble.
Our delicious cheese scones are always popular, and are a good reward for completing the treasure trail
What a good idea - a day to celebrate our beautiful county.
Isn't it someone's birthday on June 21st?????????
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.