HEN REEDBEDS SWT
A classic reedbed site with year-round interest
The Hens Reedbed is a Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserve created in 1999. It is a mixture of reedbeds, fens, dykes and pools, created to provide new breeding habitat for wetland birds, and especially Bittern. WHERE TO WATCH
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The first part of the reserve is viewed from a raised platform looking over a reedbed and open water with trees all around. Marsh Harriers use the area to feed and breed while the channels are used by Grey Heron, Little and Great White Egrets for fishing.
Bitterns do use the area, but are less likely to be seen out in the open. Listen out for Water Rails and winter sees a large Starling roost using the reedbed with 20,000 there in 2020.
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A path parallel with the road takes you by the reedbed and across to the other side of the road where you can view both the reserve and the Blyth estuary from the flood bank. Most of the reed beds have areas of open water where small islands offer nesting sites for species like Avocets. Passage waders enjoy the area so look out for Blacktailed Godwit, Redshank and
Spotted Redshank, Greenshank and Ruff. In winter Hen Harrier may be seen along with Short-eared Owl and occasional Rough-legged Buzzard.
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With a low tide look out for more waders especially in winter with Dunlin, Lapwing, Curlew while autumn may well have a Curlew Sandpiper or Little Stint. A Pacific Golden Plover was found in Wolsey’s Creek in 2020. Shelduck are often found here along with good counts of Pintail, in winter.
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A gull roost is found on the south shore of the estuary with often a mix of commoner gulls like Herring and Great Black-backed, along with individual counts of Mediterranean, Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls or even a wintering Glaucous Gull. Ospreys often pass through on migration.
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One small reedbed has a hide with a grit tray to try and allow you to see Bearded Tits at close hand. A second hide looks over pools and into Reydon Marshes where winter geese can be exciting to look through, with regular European White-fronted along with extras like Tundra and Taiga Bean, Pinkfeet or the local Greylags. Dark-bellied Brent Geese can also be seen in the area.