Orford Ness National Nature Reserve

Internationally important coastal nature reserve, with a fascinating 20th-century military history

Orford Ness National Nature Reserve

Things to see and do 

Bird watching

Get stuck into 50 things 

Get stuck into '50 things'. From eating a picnic in the wild to finding your way with a map or watching a cloud or a bird. Adventure awaits. Experience '50 things to do before you're 11¾' with the whole family this season.

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Orford Ness National Nature Reserve

What's on 

Upcoming events

Trailer Tour 2019 - Extra September Date

Sat 07 Sep 2019
09:30-12:30
Take a leisurely guided tour of the Ness in our 24 seat passenger trailer, including access to the Cold War weapons testing area.

Trailer Tour 2019 - Afternoon Tours

Sat 07 Sep 2019
13:30-16:30
Take a leisurely guided tour of the Ness in our 24 seat passenger trailer, including access to the Cold War weapons testing area.

Bombs and Beasties 2019- all day guided walk -September 2019

Sat 14 Sep 2019
09:15-16:30
Explore this once secret site on an all day walking tour.

Bird Ringing Mornings 2019

Sat 14 Sep 2019
11:00-12:00
Join our licenced bird ringers to learn about the variety of birds found on the Ness.

Writers Workshop - September 2019

Fri 20 Sep 2019
09:15-16:30
Use the evocative landscape of Orford Ness to inspire your creative writing.

Overnight Photography Tour September 2019

Sat 21 Sep 2019
16:00-16:00
Experience spending overnight on Orford Ness, photographing dusk and dawn on the Ness.
Orford Ness National Nature Reserve

Our work

Orford Ness National Nature Reserve

History

Early days

History of Orford Ness 

The shifting shingle has altered the landscape over many years and the Ness’s importance as a military site from the days of Napoleon to the Second World War have also left their mark.

Orford Ness National Nature Reserve

Wildlife

Orford Ness National Nature Reserve

Get involved

Intoduction to visitors Orford Ness

Help us care for the Ness 

Get more involved with the work here, perhaps as a volunteer ranger. Get out and about, make new friends, learn about this special place.

Orford Ness National Nature Reserve

Groups

Group enjoying their time at Orford Ness

Bring your group 

Share this unique location with others and enjoy a guided group visit. You’ll all appreciate discovering the island's many secrets as your ranger guide shows you around the landscape and buildings including the pagodas.

Orford Ness National Nature Reserve

Eating and shopping

The Quay Steet in Orford

Perfect for picnics 

There are no catering facilities on the Ness. However Orford is a good place to buy food and the Ness is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic.