Coastal Bird Sites

[htid]

I'm thinking of going away for a few days to do some coastal bird photography (I'm not sure if this includes waders, but I mean those too!). Does anyone know of any great places for this, nearish to London? I don't drive so it will be by train, but I don't mind if it takes a a few hours to get there, as long as it's not Scotland or Cornwall or something! There seem to be alot of coastal RSPB reserves (of which I'm a member) around Norfolk and the South East but I'm not sure which are average and which are amazing. Any ideas appreciated

 

[hollis_f]

I'm thinking of going away for a few days to do some coastal bird photography (I'm not sure if this includes waders, but I mean those too!). Does anyone know of any great places for this, nearish to London? I don't drive so it will be by train, but I don't mind if it takes a a few hours to get there, as long as it's not Scotland or Cornwall or something! There seem to be alot of coastal RSPB reserves (of which I'm a member) around Norfolk and the South East but I'm not sure which are average and which are amazing. Any ideas appreciated

There are several great places on the north Norfolk coast especially Titchwell and Cley - and they have a tourist bus that should be handy as it passes all the great spots. This book is invaluable.

However, I really, really like Minsmere in Suffolk for photographing waders - and other birds (Terns, Marsh Harriers, Bearded Tits). Publc transport is, I beleive, not so handy.

 

[htid]

What a shame! Looked into Minsmere, sounds really good but the nearest train station is 5 miles away, which isn't so bad in itself, but finding a place to stay is proving hard and i can't walk 5 miles there and back 2 days in a row, carrying all my gear!

 

[zeugma]

Not coastal, but have you considered the WWT Barnes or perhaps Slimbridge on the Avon Estuary? Perhaps consider the RSPB at Dungeness....

 

[htid]

Not coastal, but have you considered the WWT Barnes or perhaps Slimbridge on the Avon Estuary? Perhaps consider the RSPB at Dungeness....

I go to Barnes quite a lot, and Slimbridge is on my list of places to go, but it's a bit far just for 1 night really. I'll check out Dungeness though thanks.

 

[Di Stone]

If you are thinking of North Norfolk, then www.deepdalefarm.co.uk might be a place to rest your head. Might not be everyone's cup of tea but I believe there is a local bus service that passes Titchwell on a regular basis. Not stayed myself but have seen write ups on how convenient it is.

Di

 

[htid]

If you are thinking of North Norfolk, then www.deepdalefarm.co.uk might be a place to rest your head. Might not be everyone's cup of tea but I believe there is a local bus service that passes Titchwell on a regular basis. Not stayed myself but have seen write ups on how convenient it is.

Di

Thanks for the info Only concern would be sleeping in a room with others, whilst having £1000s worth of kit with me

 

[hollis_f]

What a shame! Looked into Minsmere, sounds really good but the nearest train station is 5 miles away, which isn't so bad in itself, but finding a place to stay is proving hard and i can't walk 5 miles there and back 2 days in a row, carrying all my gear!

The Eeel's Foot Inn. Fantastic place to stay and it's right on the edge of the reserve.

 

[htid]

The Eeel's Foot Inn. Fantastic place to stay and it's right on the edge of the reserve.

Already checked that, only problem is it's not available to book this Friday or Saturday which are the days I was planning to go! Might have to think of other dates then.

 

[Di Stone]

Thanks for the info Only concern would be sleeping in a room with others, whilst having £1000s worth of kit with me

I'm sure they do smaller twin rooms which I'm sure you could lock during the night then you've had your kit with you during the day.

Hope you find something, North Norfolk is a great place to visit.

Di

 

[Tringa]

Dungerness is also within easy reach of London.

I'm not sure what you mean by which reserves are average and which are amazing. If it is the general look of the reserve then the big skies offered by the north Norfolk reserves are hard to beat. If it the the bird life then its not possible to say. One day may be brilliant but next there may be little within reach.

Dave

 

[tarric]

Sorry its a bit late but you could always try here

www.sbbot.co.uk

its less than 2hrs by train and they do accommodation

 

[big soft moose]

if you look in the back of the RSPB magazine, "birds" there are loads of B&Bs, caravans, self catering, campsites etc advertised arround the east anglian coast - many within walking distance of the reserves.

and incidentally Essex Wildlife Trust does a self catering unit actually on the fringinghoewick reserve