RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve

RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve sits on the idyllic Suffolk coast between Sizewell and Dunwich. From ancient woodland, wetlands and reedbeds, to lagoons and a shingle beach, few sites can offer such a range of habitats for your class to explore. Your class will be warmly welcomed as they enjoy hands-on practical activities at one of the UK’s best wildlife experiences. Activities take place within easy walking distance of the well-equipped Discovery Zone and classroom.

Our beautiful reserve is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife. Pupils will develop their sense of enjoyment and fascination as they spot various species of invertebrates, birds, plants and more. There may even be opportunities to spot iconic birds such as avocets, marsh harriers and bitterns – whose conservation stories are so intimately linked to Minsmere.

We have the LOtC Quality Badge.

Whether studying wildlife, landscape or habitats, groups will take part in carefully planned activities that link to the National Curriculum and are tailored to your needs. Fully resourced activities are offered for Early Years to Key Stage 5 with each programme designed to last for two hours. Sessions run from 10am to 12pm and then 12.30 to 2.30pm and can be combined to make a whole-day visit.

See further details of our sessions on our website.

We typically cater for group sizes of up to 90 but larger group visits can be discusse

We use our RSPB age appropriate resources and equipment to support our curriculum linked sessions. See the session outlines on our website.

We also have a wealth of teacher resources and ideas to continue your learning journey with us. You will find more information on our website.

Schools are welcome to take photographs of their own children.

A generic risk assessment is available on the website.

Please contact our Learning Officer using the email above.

Full details of pricing can be found on our website.

Although we have a classroom, our sessions are held outdoors so we recommend students are dressed appropriately for the weather. This may be waterproof boots and raincoats, or it may be sunhats and sunblock cream.

RSPB Learning staff are first aid trained to Appointed Persons status and will carry a basic first aid kit.

We suggest children please bring a packed lunch with them and extra drinks. We provide a location to store lunchboxes and for the children to eat. For more information, see our website.

We have wheelchair accessible buildings, accessible toilets and experienced staff who will work with you to support any SEND within your group to make your visit to Minsmere a success. Due to the terrain of the reserve some areas are more difficult to access. We are happy to discuss any access needs and support you to use as much of the reserve as possible. Please contact us using the email above.

Bookings can be made year round. School sessions are typically Mon to Friday 10am – 2:30pm during term time but weekend, evening and holiday sessions are available on request.

“Thank you for a brilliant day – all of the staff have been so knowledgeable, and the children have loved it.” Claydon Primary

“Really great and well related to schemes of learning for our exam board. Thanks” Ormiston Endeavour Academy

“Brilliant – spot on coverage for our course!” University of Suffolk

To find out more, take a look at the list of the programmes and contact us to make a booking website.