History
Reed beds were established at Minsmere during World War II when the existing grazing marshes were flooded as an anti-invasion measure. The reserve was first established in 1947 when the RSPB leased around 1,500 acres (610 ha) from the Ogilive family. This land was then purchased in 1977 with further purchases of surrounding land expanding the reserve over the years.
The ruins of a chapel at the original site of Leiston Abbey, a scheduled ancient monument, are visible to the south of the reserve. Threatened by flooding, the monks moved the abbey in 1363 to a site 2.5 miles (4.0 km) further inland, building a chapel dedicated to St Mary at the site of the original abbey church, the stone from which was used in the new building. The chapel probably remained in use until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1536. The RSPB commissioned an archeological evaluation of the site and were provided £47,600 for its conservation and repair by English Heritage and Natural England.
Read more about this topic: Minsmere RSPB Reserve
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