Are you an early bird? Then perhaps you'd like to book a space on our very popular dawn chorus guided walk, which is followed by a delicious full English breakfast.
Would you like help with birdsong? Then the Sounds of Spring guided walks could be just for you. You'll get a light breakfast after these popular walks.
Are you new to birdwatching? Then why not book on a Birdwatching for beginners walk this spring?
This is just a selection of the guided walks that we'll be running at Minsmere over the next few months. You can find full details of all our walks, family events, open days, and more, on our website at https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/find-a-reserve/reserves-a-z/events.aspx?reserve=Minsmere
There really is something for everyone. Family events, open days and exhibitions don't usually require booking and run as drop in events. Some have a charge, while others are free, though usual reserve entry fees will still apply for non members. For our next family event we'll be making nestboxes during February half term, which in Suffolk runs from Monday 18 to Friday 22 February. Will your kids decorate their box like this? You'll find full details here. Over the Easter holidays we'll be pond dipping, searching for minibeasts or hosting the Waveney Bird Club's very popular bird ringing demonstrations.
Our next events take place tomorrow, Saturday 2 February, which is World Wetlands Day. This annual global event celebrates the signing of the Ramsar Convention, protecting many of the world's most important wetlands. The convention is named after the Iranian town where the agreement was signed on 2 February 1971. Margaret will be leading a winter wildfowl walk at 10 am tomorrow to celebrate World Wetlands Day. A few spaces still remain - book here to reserve your place (spaces may be available on the day too).
This weekend is also our next Binocular and Telescope Open Day, run with our friends at Viking Optical in Halesworth. There will a wide range of binoculars and telescopes to try, with expert advice on choosing the right model for you.
We run at least one guided walk per week, throughout the year. Spaces are limited on these, so advance booking is advisable. All our walks are booked through Eventbrite and can be found by searching on Eventbrite or following the links from the relevant event on our website. Here's a list of the regular walks coming up over the next couple of months. Click on the event name to go direct to the Eventbrite booking page for that event.
A group attending a guided walk
Every Tuesday during April and May, as well as alternate Sundays, our volunteer guides will be arriving bright and early to lead our Sounds of Spring guided walks, which start at 7.30 am. These are ideal for learning birdsong, and are followed by a bacon or sausage sandwich, or vegetarian/vegan alternative, plus a cup of tea or filter coffee - perfect to warm you up before you head out for another stroll around the reserve on your own. These walks are very popular, so please book early.
If you're a true early bird, then our Dawn chorus and breakfast walk is the one for you. It's a very early start, as David and I will meet you at 4 am on Saturday 27 April, in time to catch the sun rising above the reedbed (hopefully) as we listen to booming bitterns, warbling warblers and drumming woodpeckers. If you've never experienced the wonder of the dawn chorus, then perhaps this is the year to get up early. The part of these walks is returning to the cafe at 6.30 am to enjoy Aris's amazing buffet style full English breakfast. Suitable stuffed, there's time for another walk before the visitor centre even opens. This walk is sure to be popular, and places are strictly limited, so please book early.
A singing blackcap by Jon Evans - one of the species that we should hear on our birdsong walks
Of course, it may be that you're looking for something really special, in which case you might be interested in booking one of our guides for a personalised tour. Whether you book a hire a guide walk, or a 4x4 safari, your tour will be tailored to your needs, and can be booked on any day. You'll find further details here, and this private tours must be booked at least two weeks ahead by calling 01728 648301.