Hen Reedbeds
"A rich mosaic of wonderful wetland habitat and a real treat for anyone interested in birds."
Hen Reedbeds is a blend of reedbeds, fens, dykes and pools created in 1999 to provide new breeding habitat for bittern and other wildlife. In summer look out for bittern, marsh harrier, heron, bearded tit, norfolk hawker and even hobby hunting over the reeds and dykes. Reed and sedge warblers sing to their hearts’ content alongside clouds of iridescent damselfly and nimble dragonfly such as the four-spot chaser and hairy dragonfly. Far more secretive are the otter and water vole which also live here.
For the best views of the largest mere follow the way-marked trail through the reedbed and across the road to the viewing platform overlooking Wolsey Creek Marshes, a good place to spot wildfowl such as gadwall, tufted duck, shoveler and also little grebes. At low tide scan the mudflats behind you for feeding waders – redshank, avocet and sandpiper are all regulars. Further along Wolsey Creek are two hides overlooking smaller scrapes and islands which often give views of godwits, oystercatchers, teal, little egrets and kingfishers. When conditions underfoot are favourable, an approach to the hides along the bottom track, rather than along the top of the river wall, avoids disturbing any birds close-by.
Other Trust reserves nearby: Reydon Wood.
Special dates for your diaries
Best time to visit
April, May
Site manager
Directions (Google Maps)
- Address
A1095 Halesworth Road, Near Southwold - Grid reference
TM471771 (car park/reserve entrance) - Parking
Car park signposted from the A1095 - Size
135 acres (55 hectares) - Local Facilities
Reydon, Southwold - Walking conditions
Good. - Access
Wheelchairs can be pushed over the 75m grass path to a viewing area with seating. No toilets. - Dogs
On leads only - sorry no dogs in hide - STAR SPECIES
Bittern
Marsh harrier
Bearded tit - Status
SSSI - Site of Special Scientific InterestA site of national importance identified by Natural England for its ecological or geological value.
Ramsar SiteSites of international importance for wetland birds designated under the Ramsar convention.
NNR - National Nature ReserveNational designation by Natural England for some of the UK's finest wildlife sites.
Natura 2000 siteSites of European importance which host priority habitat types or priority species which are particularly at risk.
