Suffolk - Aldeburgh & Alde Estuary (Day Trip)

Summary

Renowned as the home of the composer Benjamin Britten, Aldeburgh sits on the River Alde at the north end of the huge shingle spit of Orfordness on the Suffolk coast. It is an ideal place to start a relaxed day’s birding at the southern edge of town. Close to the Napoleonic-era Martello Tower and yacht club at Slaughden Quay, we walk along the north river wall, checking the river and town marsh for waders and the riverbank for pipits and Stonechat, before cutting back to town where Short-eared Owl and Marsh Harrier can be seen quartering the fields.

In the afternoon we relocate, via Snape, to Iken Cliff on the southern edge of the estuary, where we walk along the edge of the mud east towards Iken Church. This rarely birded spot is a hotspot for feeding waders, with good numbers of Avocet, Black-tailed Godwit, Knot and Curlew often present.