July 2023:  REGRETFULLY, THE HIDE IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO VANDALISM. WE HOPE TO RE-OPEN IT SOON.

n 2018 the Charity opened a bird hide at the bottom of Bennett’s Drift (off Leverett’s Lane) overlooking the town grazing marshes, with a view towards Southwold. 
The hide is dedicated to the memory of Tony Lancaster, a local resident and true birder whose family and friends contributed a large part of its cost. The hide is accessed on foot and the nearest car park is at Ferry Road. The Grid Reference is: TM49667502
Of course the hide had to be closed during Covid, but opened again when restrictions allowed in July 2021. It has been monitored regularly to ensure it remains in a good condition and any minor repairs have been attended to.

The highlight  of 2019 was a Glossy Ibis and interestingly in 2022, another Glossy Ibis was present from 2nd February 2022 to April, exploring the fields near the Baily Bridge. Thursday 10th November 2022 saw 3, Red Rumped Swallows – rare vagrants – and these were still present the following day. 
Up to November 2022, there have been 125 bird species noted plus Badger, Water Vole, Chinese Water Deer and Muntjac.   Notable birds include Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, Great White Egret, Spoonbill, Water Rail, Black Redstart, Mandarin Duck (both male and female), Glossy Ibis and Red Rumped Swallow.
 

Sparrowhawk    View of the Bird Hide     Marsh Harrier


The Hide is open to all.  There is a visitor's book for comments and a diary to record what has been seen.