RSPB Snape | Visit Suffolk

Snape is an exciting new reserve where we’re recreating important wetland and heathland areas.

At Snape Warren we’ve been clearing birch, pine and gorse scrub to recreate rare Suffolk sandlings heathland, with the help of sheep and Exmoor ponies. The heathland is a blaze of purple in summer and is home to rare wildlife such as Dartford warblers, woodlarks and adders.

The higher ground offers stunning views across the estuary towards Snape Maltings, a large arts and retail complex and home of Aldeburgh Music’s world-famous concert hall.

Snape Warren is best reached by walking along the north bank of the Alde estuary from Snape Maltings for about one mile, along what is known as the Sailor’s Path.

The Snape reserve also includes an exciting new wetland area where we are working with the Environment Agency to create new reedbeds and freshwater marshes. This will benefit wildlife such as otters, water voles, kingfishers, bitterns, marsh harriers and dragonflies. Access to this area is restricted to RSPB guided walks only, but some of the star species can be seen by looking upstream from Snape Bridge.

There are excellent walks along the Alde estuary from Snape Bridge to Iken or Snape Warren, where you can see wading birds such as avocets and curlews, plus barn owls and marsh harriers.