Hen Reedbeds is a Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserve and is now ten years old having been created in 1999 to provide habitat for species such as Bittern and Bearded Tit to breed. Owing to its importance it has been designated status of SSSI, NNR, RAMSAR and Natura 2000. Hen Reedbeds is found north of the Blyth estuary, adjacent to Wolsey Creek which flows in to the River Blyth. The reserve is a mixture of reedbed, dykes and pools, with a small area of scrub and trees near the car park. There is a viewing platform along the river wall top path, although it is best to walk along the wider bottom path to avoid disturbance to birds on the creek. Further along the path are two further hides.

Web site: Hen Reedbeds

Directions: By car along the A12, take the A1095 to Southwold, a car park can be found just off the A1095 signposted along Mardle Road at TM470771. A path goes through the small patch of scrub and reeds back to the A1095, taking care of the traffic, cross over to the stile and the footpath along Wolsey Creek.

Bird species: During the summer Bittern, Bearded Tit and Marsh Harrier are present along with warbler species such as Sedge and Reed. Hobby can sometimes be seen hunting for dragonflies over the reserve. During Spring and Autumn passage waders like Greenshank and Common Sandpiper will visit the wet areas by the hide, with Whimbrel present on the creek. During the winter wildfowl numbers build up on the pools and include Gadwall, Wigeon, Tufted Duck and Shoveler. Waders use the estuary in large numbers and at times during high tide come on to the reserve. Typical species are Black-tailed Godwit, Avocet, Redshank, Curlew, Dunlin and Oystercatcher. Little Egret visit all year round as does Cetti's Warbler which can be heard in the scrubby ditch back towards the car park. Recent highlights include a long-staying Great White Egret in June and July and a brief Glossy Ibis in early September.