Suffolk coast, around Covehithe and Benacre

Benacre National Nature Reserve

Mixed-habitat reserve

Place photograph

6.8

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

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Cost

Wild

Feel

CoastalWetlandWoodlandWildlife loversWalkersPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

6.8

A coastal reserve of reedbeds, lagoons, woodland, heathland and shingle, with habitats stretching across two main areas north and south of Covehithe.

Benacre’s appeal is its unusual meeting of coast and wetland: lagoons and reedbeds sit alongside shingle shore, heath and woodland. The reserve is large and wildlife-rich, but much of it is private, so the experience depends on sticking to confirmed public rights of way.

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Suffolk coast, around Covehithe and Benacre

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The experience

Plan around confirmed public rights of way, not the assumption that the whole reserve is open to roam. A supplied route listing describes a 4.9 km out-and-back walk, but its start point and precise access arrangements should be checked before use.

Things to do

Walk a confirmed public right of way

Explore only a route confirmed as a public right of way. Much of the reserve is private property and access away from public rights of way requires permission.

Look for coastal and wetland birds

The official reserve information names marsh harrier, bearded reedling and water rail among the birds using the reserve; bittern occurs in some years. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Notice the shingle flora

The official reserve information identifies yellow horned poppy, sea kale, sea holly and prickly saltwort along the shore.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 1 hour 2 minutes; route listed as 4.9 km

A short coastal-reserve walk

01
Check the current access information and identify a public right of way before setting out; much of the reserve is private.
02
Use the supplied Hiiker route only after confirming its start point and access arrangements.
03
Walk the listed out-and-back route and look for the transitions between coastal and wetland habitats.

Hidden details

A reserve in two main areas — Benacre National Nature Reserve comprises two main sites north and south of Covehithe, extending north towards Benacre and south towards Reydon Smear.

Rare plants among the habitats — The official reserve account notes rare grey hair grass on the northern dunes and greater broomrape elsewhere in the reserve.

When to go

· Not specified in the supplied sources; check local wildlife and access information before visiting.

Little terns are identified as summer visitors. The supplied sources do not establish broader seasonal visitor advice.

Check the forecast and current coastal conditions before travelling. The supplied sources do not provide site-specific weather guidance.

The route

ascent: 30 m
distance: 4.9 km
duration: About 1 hour 2 minutes
difficulty: Easy according to the Hiiker listing; its excerpt also describes the route as medium difficulty, so check the route details before relying on this grading.
route shape: Out and back
start point: Check before visiting; not established by the supplied route excerpt.
parking start: Check before visiting; not established by the supplied sources.

Coastal views and reserve habitats, according to the route listing.
The reserve includes reedbeds, lagoons, woodland and heathland.

What to look for

Look for the change between coastal shingle, lagoons and reedbeds, and for birds named in the official reserve information, including marsh harrier, bearded reedling and water rail. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Best time to go

Summer for visiting little terns on the shore; other seasonal wildlife opportunities vary. Check current conditions and access before visiting.

The official reserve information identifies little terns as summer visitors. For other wildlife, check current local guidance; the supplied sources do not specify the best time of day.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Wildlife lovers · Walkers · Photographers

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Website

gov.uk

Listed hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.7 · 386 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

The reserve includes public rights of way, but much of it is private property; access away from those rights of way is by permission only. Check the official reserve information and local access before setting out.

Check before visiting

Parking

Check before visiting; the supplied sources do not establish a public parking location for the reserve.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check before visiting; the supplied sources do not establish reserve-wide dog rules.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The source row reports that the car park and entrance are not wheelchair accessible. Confirm the relevant access point and conditions before travelling.

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Lagoons, reedbeds and sea shore; swimming or paddling permission is not established.