As we approach the 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1, it seems like a good time to look back at the years just before the RSPB acquired Minsmere as a nature reserve, when the area played a significant part in the efforts to defend the UK during the Second World War.
The low lying Suffolk coast was seen as a likely target for German invasion, so various measures were put in place to defend this vulnerable coastline. Some of these are still visible and represent important archaeological features, while some of the measures put in place helped to shape Minsmere's subsequent history as an RSPB reserve.
The most obvious wartime archaeology at Minsmere is the remaining, albeit broken, line of concrete blocks that were cast in situ to prevent German tanks from coming ashore - hence they are still known as tank traps. Next time you visit, look carefully at the top of the blocks just north of the East Hide entrance as one bears an inscription, carved into the damp concrete: "Wimpey Defence Line 1940."
These tank traps were actually the second line of defence. Closer to the shore, the initial line of defence was comprised of long sharp metal spikes and rolls of barbed wire, designed to stop troops from running ashore. The spikes were known as dragon's teeth, and at low tide it is still possible to see their remains exposed.
How effective these defence measures would have proved in the event of an invasion is, thankfully, unknown, but at Minsmere there was a further, unofficial, measure put in place. The local army captain took the unilateral decision to close the gates on the Minsmere Sluice, flooding the low-lying marshes and creating a shallow lake as a further barrier to invasion. This was to prove a very significant decision as far as the area's wildlife was concerned, as when flood waters receded after the war, the shallow brackish pools attracted the first nesting avocets in the UK for 100 years. The nests were found in 1947, just weeks after the RSPB had signed an agreement to take over management at Minsmere.
Another archaeological feature that is still easily visible is a wartime pillbox, which was built inside the ruins of the 12th century Leiston Abbey. The RSPB is responsible for managing both of these structures.
Much of the other wartime archaeology is now largely hidden from view, but you can still see it if you know where to look. For example, as you enter South Belt Woods between the visitor centre and the den building area, you may spot the concrete foundations of an old army barracks toilet block, while shallow trenches on Westleton and Dunwich Heaths were dug to prevent gliders from landing.
Minsmere's wartime history goes much deeper than these obvious features too. Radar was developed a few miles south at Bawdsey Manor, and the first radar masts were erected on Dunwich Heath, though little remains of these. the Suffolk coast was also used for training the troops ready for the D-Day landings during what was known as Operation Kruschen.
There's more information about Minsmere's archaeology here.
As the RSPB Community is unavailable for a week from tomorrow, please remember that if you are visiting us on Sunday we will be observing the two minute silence at 11 am.
Lest for forget. We will remember them
Excellent blog, as always, Ian. You can imagine our household will never forget.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.