If you are planning to visit Minsmere this week, then please be aware that there are a few changes to visiting arrangements to be aware of, as well as some local road closures. Don't let any of this put you off visiting though as there is loads of great wildlife to see - as you can read about later in my next species of the week blog.
Shop closed for till upgrade
The Minsmere shop will be closed all day tomorrow - Tuesday 31 October - to allow us to install a new till system. This will only affect the shop, as the reserve, reception and, more importantly, cafe will remain open as usual. If you need to do some shopping with us, then please accept our apologies for this disruption tomorrow. If you can't come back later in the week, then please try ordering online at www.rspbshop.co.uk or ring RSPB Sales on 0345 034 7733.
Early closing for winter
With the clocks having gone back yesterday to signal the end of British Summer Time, we switch to our winter opening hours this week. From Wednesday 1 November, the visitor centre and shop will close at 4 pm every day, with last orders in the cafe at 3.45 pm. These hours will remain in place until 31 January 2018, after which we return to summer opening hours. As a reminder, the reserve itself, including car park, toilets, hides and nature trails are open from dawn to dusk every day, except 25 and 26 December, when all facilities are closed for our Christmas break.
Local roadworks
We've been informed by Suffolk County Council that their Highways Department will be carrying out pothole repairs on some of the local roads later this week and next week. As some of these work swill be along the signed route into Minsmere, you may have to follow diversions if you are visiting this week. These diversions should be signed, and should only add a couple of minutes to your journey, so we hope they won't cause too much inconvenience.
The first set of work is due to take place along our entrance road, from the junction off the Westleton to Dunwich road to Walkbarn Farm. There will be a diversion via Westleton village, turning left into Mill Street, which becomes Mil Road. Please take care as this road is narrow in places.
There are also roadworks scheduled for the B1387 from the A12 at Blythburgh to the Water Tower. The diversion will be via Blythburgh village, along Dunwich Road (B1125).
We're sure that the lure of cheese scones, hot soup and some great wildlife won't put you off visiting us despite this disruption.