News archive
July 2009
Saturday, 11 July 2009
HAVERGATE ADVENTURE 2009
This event, now in its 21st year, remains popular with holidaymakers and seasoned ornithologists alike. It involves a 20 minute boat trip followed by a 2 hour guided tour of the northern half of the Island (3 hides) with binoculars available on free loan and refreshments available at the final hide. The whole trip takes 2 hours 40 minutes and costs just £7.00 (under 16's £3.00). Each group is restricted to a maximum of 12 people so early booking is recommended.
This is an opportunity to visit a fantastic RSPB Reserve with help on hand should you require it to assist with identifying the birds. The visit is preceded and ended with a leisurely boat trip along the River Ore. Boats run half-hourly from 10.00am to 2.30pm and tickets may be purchased at Orford Quay from Saturday, 15th August. However, in view of demand you may prefer to book your places in advance by telephoning 01728 723155 on or after Saturday, 1st August.
How to get there:
Orford is located 11 miles north-east of Woodbridge. From the A12 take the A1152 and where this bears left at Bromeswell carry straight on the B1084 to Orford.
Havergate Island
Havergate Island, owned by the RSPB, is situated in the middle of the Ore Estuary to the south of Orford, Suffolk. It comprises six lagoons surrounded by saltmarsh and mudflats. It was here that in 1947 avocets bred for the first time in Britain for 100 years. Avocets are still present, as are many species of wildfowl and wading birds. Spoonbills are often present along with little egrets, a species which has become widely established during the past 15 years, and there is always the chance of seeing a marsh harrier, another bird that faced extinction in Britain in the early seventies, or one of the resident barn owls.