Today we went for a walk at RSPB Minsmere - a nature reserve near Saxmundham. Minsmere's habitats include reedbeds, lowland wet grassland, shingle vegetation and lowland heath.
We wandered through the different areas and reached the coast before heading inland again.
There were lots of Red Admiral butterflies sunning themselves.
Near the reedbeds we came across some ponies. Am RSPB volunteer told us that they were Konik ponies. They are an extremely hardy primitive breed of pony originating in Poland. They were brought over from Poland by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust in 1995 and were initially loaned to the RSPB. The RSPB subsequently bought there own breeding herd. The Konik ponies are ideal for managing wet habitats and are experts at grazing the reed bed edge. The ponies have daily health checks by a warden observing them from a distance to ensure they are in good condition. and live happily in the reserve.
After visiting Minsmere, we drove the short distance to Leiston Abbey.
The 14th century ruins of Leiston Abbey are owned by English Heritage but are managed by Pro Corda (a music school). Students from the music school live in the historic Abbey House which is within the site.
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