Photograph: Peter Cairns Winter walks From ancient woods to windswept marshes, our nature reserves are as varied as the animals and plants that live on them. These places are real countryside, and in winter may well come with lashings of mud! Winter wildfowl and waders: Nature reserveCarlton MarshesBirds in abundance on the marshes and scrapes. Nature reserveDingle MarshesStart from Dunwich beach and enjoy contrasting worlds on either side of the shingle ridge. Nature reserveHen ReedbedsEnjoy a front row seat in the new hide or a bird's eye view from the river wall. Nature reserveLackford LakesWildfowl galore and a winter gull roost with up to 28,000 birds. Visitor centre open all week. Nature reserveSnape MarshesStunning views over the River Alde and plenty of local pubs to defrost your fingers afterwards. Nature reserveTrimley MarshesPanoramic views over the Orwell estuary, hares in the snow and birds in close-up from the hides. Frosty landscapes: Nature reserveArger fen & Spouse's ValeThe twisting paths and tree cloaked valley give this lovely wood an air of mystery. Nature reserveBlaxhall CommonAs the frosts descend the heath is transformed into a filigree of white - beautiful and bracing! Nature reserveBradfield WoodsStep out into one of Britain's best known and most treasured ancient woodlands. Nature reserveKnettishall HeathHear the echos of the past as the wind whistles through your hair atop the Bronze Age round barrow. Nature reserveLound LakesThe most northerly point in Suffolk, this is a wonderful outpost of great scenic beauty and considerable wildlife interest. Nature reserveRedgrave & Lopham FenThere's something exquisitely raw about the fen in winter - the closest to a wilderness experience Suffolk can offer.
