The 10 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Suffolk, England

Wild, remote and exposed, Orford Ness contains the ruined remnants of a disturbing past. Ranked among the most important shingle features in the world, rare and fragile wildlife thrives where weapons, including atomic bombs, were once tested and perfected.

From iridescent kingfishers to swirling clouds of starlings, the landscape of lakes, reedbed, meadow and woodland makes Suffolk Wildlife Trust's Lackford Lakes a wildlife oasis, offering close-up encounters with nature all year round. The reserve, trails and hides are open daily from dawn to dusk. Call in to the visitor centre for panoramic views of the reserve... coffee, cake and ice cream... and wildlife explorer back packs for young adventurers. Family activities and adult wildlife courses take place at Lackford Lakes throughout the year; follow us on Facebook or Twitter to keep in touch.

RSPB Minsmere a a nature reserve on the Suffolk coast, with large car park, shop and cafe, a choice of birdwatching hides and nature trails, and a a superb variety of different habitats and wildlife. The RSPB is a nature conservation charity

Brandon Country Park is located in the very heart of Thetford Forest. Surrounded by acres of pure forest, we have miles of walking and nature trails, cycle routes, a lake, lawns, historic arboretum, Walled Garden, Visitor Centre and the Copper Beech Tearoom with our homemade cakes and soups.

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is home to more than 80 beautiful and unusual owls and other birds of prey. Between Easter & September, we give three flying displays daily, each featuring different birds. There is also a woodland walk featuring red squirrels and "Meerkat Kastle", the home to our resident tribe of desert dwellers. Our picnic areas are scattered throughout the centre. Children are catered for with an inclusive play area, mini-maze, a free S.O.S. Safari activity with a gift for all young participants, and other games & activities. In addition we run a selection of falconry courses and photo days which allow great access to the birds - these are very popular with keen photographers. There is full wheelchair access to the Sanctuary throughout.

Bird of prey experience centre offering the following experiences at our purpose build venue... Archery 1 and 2 hour experiences available 1 hour experience flying 1 owl & 1 hawk 2 hour hawk walk flying in the fields with trained hunting Hawks 2 hour owl encounter flying 4 owls including barn owls, tent owls, eagle owls Half day experience flying 6 birds and learning about habitat etc Half day eagle experience flying and learning about 3 eagles Full day falconry experience, refreshments included, lunch, tea , coffee Falconer for the day, hands on experience learning behind the scenes about falconry, polo shirt, lunch, refreshments included Full day eagle experience, flying 4 eagles, eagle owls, vulture lunch included, refreshments etc