Walberswick NNR

Walberswick National Nature Reserve (NNR) is one of three NNR's managed by English Nature along the Suffolk coast,the others being Benacre and Westleton Heath.It is made up of some of the best Sandlings heathland,together with reedbeds,inter-tidal mud-flats,grazing marsh,hay meadows,woodland and the tidal estuary of the River Blyth.The NNR is one of the most diverse sites in the UK, with a wide mix of habitats in a small area.
The reserrve's Westwood Marsh is probably the largest single block of freshwater reedbed in Britain and extends inland for round two and a half miles.It was reclaimed for grazing in the 18th century but flooded for defence purposes in World War 2 allowing the reeds to spread back over the marsh,returning it to its former glory.

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Walberswick holds many of the same breeding species as Minsmere but does not have the crowds of that reserve.It is probably a better reserve in Winter where birds of prey can include over-wintering Marsh harrier, Hen harrier, Peregrine, Goshawk,Rough-legged Buzzard, Buzzard ,Sparrowhawk and Merlin.Further details about this and other excellent birding locations in East Anglia can be found in the publication below.

Where to watch Birds in East Anglia
East Anglia is one of the best birding regions in England. With its extensive areas of nationally scarce habitat such as the fens, reedbeds, undisturbed beaches and Breckland heath, it can be the only place to see several of England's most exciting birds. This is a guide to where to go in East Anglia to see many different species. It contains site accounts, plans, maps, lists of birds in the region and advice on planning birdwatching trips. This fourth edition is revised and updated.
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