1 minute read
Suffolk Folk: Matt Parrott
MINSMERE
Home to the RSPB Nature Reserve; an area of splendid woodland, wetland and coastal scenery, packed with rare birds, shy wildlife like otters, the booming call of bitterns in spring, beautiful bugs and colourful wild flowers in summer.
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Don’t miss: Stretching your legs along the trails around the reserve, there are circuits of one to two miles to choose from. Reflecting on the stained-glass window in the ruins of the abbey out on the marshes before taking a pit stop at The Eels Foot Inn in Eastbridge.
THE RECKFORD ROOST
Reckford Roost stocks a range of Suffolk produce – fresh bread, cheese, eggs, meat, fish, beer, wines, fruit and vegetables including Reckford Farm’s own asparagus, rhubarb, blueberries, blackberries, selection of eating apples and apple juice. They also sell organic whole foods and eco-friendly household products. The welcoming café uses locally sourced, quality ingredients in freshly prepared breakfasts, soups and sandwiches, with homemade sausage rolls, scones and a delicious selection of cakes. The cosy indoor seating is dog friendly with free wifi, and there are sunny picnic tables outside. There are plenty of walks around Middleton, further afield onto Westleton Heath, or leading along the Minsmere River to Eastbridge. Open all year round.
Reckford Farm, Leiston Road, Middleton, Suffolk IP17 3NS T. 01728 648936 / www.reckfordroost.com
RSPB MINSMERE
Westleton, Suffolk IP17 3BY T. 01728 648281 / www.rspb.org.uk/minsmere
Minsmere is the RSPB’s flagship nature reserve on the Suffolk coast, rich in bird life such as avocet, bittern, marsh harrier and bearded tit. Look out for fascinating insects and plants, as well as otters, red deer and grey seals. After exploring the nature trails you can relax in the café serving locally sourced meals, drinks and cakes or browse the gifts, books and binoculars in the well stocked shop. An exciting events programme runs throughout the year, from birdwatching tours to wildflower courses and family activities like den building and bug hunting.
