Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
Dingle Marshes
DunwichOpenSee opening timesDingle Marshes is a rich patchwork of habitats where Marsh Harriers sky dance and Bitterns boom.
About
Dingle Marshes is much more than just marshland. It’s a rich patchwork of habitats, including freshwater reedbed, shingle, coastal marsh, salty lagoons and forest, that attracts an array of wildlife. Listen out for booming Bitterns, look out for sky-dancing Marsh Harriers, and marvel at Yellow Horned-poppy and Sea Kale under the wide Suffolk skies.
The reserve is part of one of the largest freshwater reedbeds in the UK, home to breeding Bitterns, Marsh Harriers and Bearded Tits. In summer, Dingle Marshes comes alive with singing warblers. The reedbeds are protected from the sea by a shingle bank, where plants like Sea Kale and Yellow Horned-poppy grow.
We manage the reserve with wildlife in mind. This involves cutting areas of reedbed on rotation to create the ideal conditions for our breeding birds. The reserve is protected from the sea by a long shingle spit. The shingle-nesting birds and wildlife are vulnerable to disturbance, so some sections may be fenced off for their protection.
At a glance
Beach car park in Dunwich village. No lighting. Donations are requested to support the local community
The reserve does not have any toilets but public toilets are available at the Dunwich Beach car park around 100m from the reserve entrance.
The reserve does not have any toilets but public toilets are available at the Dunwich Beach car park around 100m from the reserve entrance.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
Wheelchair access is possible with difficulty on some sections of the nature trail. The terrain is rough in places and the access along the shore is on shingle, for which wheelchair access in not advised. No viewing facilities with ramped access on site.
The reserve does not have any toilets but public toilets are available at the Dunwich Beach car park around 100m from the reserve entrance.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Dogs on leads, welcome.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Dingle Marshes
minsmere@rspb.org.uk Minsmere Nature Reserve, Westleton, Suffolk, Suffolk, IP17 3BY 01728 648281