Orfordness-Havergate NNR lies just south of Aldeburgh on the Suffolk coast. The site is a large shingle spit separated from the mainland by the River Alde. The site is normally closed during the winter but the National Trust will allow access to large (12 people nd over) pre-booked groups in this period. Visitors to Havergate Island must pre-book with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) by telephoning 01728 648281. Visitors to Orfordness should contact the National Trust for opening times by telephoning 01394 450057. Admission charges apply to both sites. Main habitats: coastal Area: 909.1 hectares Management: Orfordness is managed by the National Trust and Havergate Island by the RSPB Features of interest The spit was formed by the deposition of shingle deposits though wave action and longshore drift. This is an on-going process, meaning the spit is growing, and the site is of great value to coastal defence research. The shingle supports a number of rare and scarce invertebrates - particularly beetles and spiders - and the site is also an important breeding place for many bird species including terns and avocets. For more details, visit the National Trust’s pages on Orfordness and the RSPB’s pages on Havergate. Directions The nearest train station is in Woodbridge, 15 kilometres to the west. Orford is accessed along the B1078 and B1084. There are parking facilities in Orford Quay. Access to both Orfordness and Havergate Island is by a ferry from Orford Quay. The reserve is near the route of a major trail, the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Path. Orford is on Route 1 (Suffolk Coastal Path Route) of the Sustrans National Cycle Network. There are bird-watching hides, toilets and a picnic area on Havergate Island. Orfordness has an education centre. A trail guide and family guide are available and there is also a children’s trail/quiz. Normally there is limited disabled access but there are special access days for disabled visitors. Contact the National Trust for details (01394 450057).