The RSPB’s Minsmere site has been given a new hide, which replaces the ageing Island Mere hide and will allow more enthusiasts to catch a glimpse of some of the region’s unique bird life.

Senior Site Manager Adam Rowlands told the Beccles and Bungay Journal: “Island Mere is one of the most popular places to watch wildlife at Minsmere, but the old hide was dark, cramped and beginning to show signs of age. With this superb new hide, we’ve improved views across the reedbed and mere, making it even more exciting for our visitors.”

Minsmere is famed for its colony of bitterns, which can be seen feeding in the spring. The new hide has full wheelchair access, allowing disabled visitors to enjoy this unique sight. The new hide was designed and built by top architects the Gilleard Brothers, and forms a key part of the reserve’s Discover Nature project, which will see the site’s visitor facilities undergo a full renovation.

The new look will include a cafe, shop and reception area, and will make this fantastic local resource even more central to East Anglia’s tourism industry.