(min)+Timeline

Minsmere part of the 6,000 acre Ogilvie farming estate stretching from Thorpeness to Dunwich Heath**
 * 1900

1938 Ogilvies discuss the possibility of making Minsmere a nature reserve.

1940 Minsmere became centre of operations of the Coast Regiment and Suffolk coast artillery. As an anti-invasion measure, the sluice is closed to flood the coastal grazing marshes.

**1946** The sluice is returned to normal operation and the floodwaters begin to recede.

**1947** On 25 April, a conditional agreement is drawn up between the RSPB and Captain A S Ogilvie to lease 1500 acres at Minsmere. On 18 May, avocets are found nesting at Minsmere

**1955** Marsh harriers return to breed at Minsmere.

**1962** Construction of the Scrape begins.

**1963** One pair of avocets returns to nest on the new Scrape.

**1968** A total of 3091 people visit Minsmere.

**1971** Minsmere has the only remaining pair of breeding marsh harriers in the UK.

**1977** Following an appeal, the RSPB purchases for £240,000.

**1983** 69 pairs of avocets fledge 111 young.

**1989** Minsmere is extended with the purchase of 160 ha (400 acres) of farmland for restoration to heathland and 20 ha (50 acres) of dunes. Minsmere receives 82,399 visitors.

**1990** Minsmere is further extended with the purchase of 40 ha (100 acres) of grazing marsh on the Minsmere Levels.

**1991** Bitterns at Minsmere are down to just one booming male so small-scale rotational cutting and hand-raking is started in the reedbed during winter.

**1992** Woodlarks return to nest at Minsmere after an absence of 26 years.

**1994** Bitterns seem to be responding well to the reedbed management.

**1995** A UK record 141 pairs of avocets breed at Minsmere.

**1996** The new visitor centre opens in February. There are five booming bitterns at Minsmere. In July, 100 ha (254 acres) of grazing marshes on the Minsmere Levels are purchased. The reserve now covers 930 ha (2322 acres). Dartford warblers return to nest on the Suffolk coast, initially at Minsmere and Dunwich Heath NT, after an absence of nearly 60 years.

**1997** The RSPB celebrates 50 years at Minsmere

**1999** The RSPB purchases nearby Dingle Marshes jointly with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust after a successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Suffolk Wildlife Trust loans the RSPB five Konik Polski, which means Polish ponies. These ponies have the characteristics of the Tarpan the original wild horse of Europe—and are used to graze the margins of the reedbed.

**2001**   The RSPB buys eight Konik Polski ponies from the Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

**2002** The new Bittern Hide is opened in February.. The RSPB purchases 34 ha (85 acres) of former arable land at Mount Pleasant for reversion to heath and acid grassland. The RSPB uses part of a £2 million legacy to buy a flock of Manx Loghtan sheep to graze the heath and arable reversion fields.

**2003** A pair of stone-curlews attempts to breed at Minsmere for the first time since 1969.

**2004** The stone-curlews return and are successful at their third attempt, fledging two chicks. A breeding herd of Konik Polski ponies is purchased. The first foal is born on 27 August.

**2005** Minsmere opens on a Tuesday for the first time in April. Visitor numbers reach 91,944. Mediterranean gulls nest successfully for the first time.

**2006** The RSPB signs a farm business tenancy for 26 ha (65 acres) of recently felled conifer woodland in Dunwich Forest, taking Minsmere over 1000 ha (2500 acres).

**2007** Minsmere celebrates its 60th anniversary on 25 April, and welcomes more than 2000 visitors to an open weekend to celebrate. Ten booming male bitterns are recorded at Minsmere. The UK population is now 51 males. A record 39 marsh harrier chicks fledge from 17 nests at Minsmere.