England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Suffolk

Explore these places for wildlife in Suffolk. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Minsmere

Near Westleton

Habitat: Coastal reedbeds, shallow lagoons, heathland, woodland and shingle beach.
Wildlife to look for: Bittern, bearded tit, marsh harrier, avocet (especially spring–summer), otter (elusive).

02 / 05

Near Hockwold cum Wilton, near Lakenheath

Habitat: Restored reedbeds, wet grassland and pools with strips of woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Common crane (mainly spring–summer), kingfisher, water vole (elusive), otter (elusive).

03 / 05

Near Carlton Colville, Lowestoft

Habitat: Grazing marsh, reedbeds, shallow pools and ditches in the Waveney Valley.
Wildlife to look for: Fen raft spider (warmer months), water vole (elusive), marsh harrier, hobby (spring–summer), lapwing.

04 / 05

Near Lackford, near Bury St Edmunds

Habitat: Former gravel pits with lakes, reedbeds, meadows and woodland.
Wildlife to look for: Kingfisher, great crested grebe, nightingale (spring–early summer), goldeneye (winter), willow emerald damselfly (late summer–autumn).

05 / 05

Near Reydon, near Southwold

Habitat: Reedbeds, fen, pools and ditches beside the Blyth Estuary.
Wildlife to look for: Bittern, bearded tit, marsh harrier, hobby (spring–summer), Norfolk hawker dragonfly (late spring–summer).