Alde Mudflats
"Bright, icy winter mornings; plaintive calls of wigeon and the shrill of literally hundreds of dunlin make it a favourite"
Alde Mudflats when impressive numbers of black-tailed godwit and striking black and white avocet can be seen strutting and probing the gloopy 'ooze' for succulent titbits. Make sure you time your visit when the tide is out so the vast expanses of mudflat, harbouring lavish feasts of invertebrates, are fully exposed.
The lack of access on this protected site ensures birds have an undisturbed sanctuary for feeding and roosting. Large numbers of dunlin, curlew, black-tailed godwit, oystercatcher, grey plover, wigeon, pintail and teal also use the reserve in winter. During the breeding season redshank, avocet and oystercatcher raise their young here with majestic marsh harrier nesting close by.
For the best views arm yourself with binoculars (and a hot flask in winter) and take the footpath from Iken Cliff car park eastwards towards Iken Church. There are also good views from the bird-hide at Hazelwood reserve on the other side of the estuary.
Other reserves nearby: Snape Marshes, Captains Wood.
Site Manager:
Mick's blog - follow Mick's work at Trust reserves.
- Address
Near Snape
Map › - Grid reference
TM 420570 - Map
OS Landranger 156 - Parking
Iken Cliff car park - Size
22 Hectares - STAR SPECIES
Dunlin
Curlew
Black-tailed godwit
Oystercatcher
Grey plover
Wigeon
Pintail
Teal - Status
SSSI - Site of Special Scientific InterestA site of national importance identified by Natural England for its ecological or geological value.
Natura 2000 siteSites of European importance which host priority habitat types or priority species which are particularly at risk.
