We got cycling to Minsmere RSPB only around 3 km away from the Eastbridge campsite. The forest we went through looked very old.

We were welcomed at Minsmere RSPB and informed that a lot of areas are closed due to a bushfire in July. 

However the marsh side was still open and we could walk around there for around 3 km. 

We got going and stopped at the East hide next to the beach. It was very windy down there – we hadn’t realised when we were protected by trees away from the beach. 

We saw many shell ducks and an avocet – but many birds were hunkered down out of the wind.

The old anti aircraft and blocks are still on the beach .

Minsmere wouldn’t have been here without  WW2 as the area had been flooded deliberately to stop any invasions. This then attracted avocets from the Netherlands and other birds. After the war people were interested to come to see them. Wardens had to be appointed to protect the birds and then Minsmere bird reserve was set up. The land areas have had gravel added to provide a better bird environment and the levels of water are now controlled. 

Sizewell nuclear power station is just down the coast. The first nuclear station was set up in the 1960s and is now being decommissioned. The second one is still operating. The third one is being built now. There were many local protests to this one as it has involved cutting down a lot of trees. 

We checked out all the hides . 

The bittern hide high over the reeds was the most interesting. We saw a marsh harrier that came quite close. However we didn’t see a bittern which this area are famous for breeding. 

We saw a Muntjac deer that is an invasive small asian type of deer.

As we were getting our bikes ready we met a nearly tame pheasant. He was obviously used to being fed.

We then cycled back to the campsite and got into the van before a big deluge of rain. 

We then went over to the pub for a drink with our new friends Peter and Kate. We didn’t eat there however and came back to the van to make a thai chicken green curry – almost restaurant quality 😉.

We were in bed by 10am out for the count.