RSPB Minsmere visitors concerned about Sizewell C noise

People visiting RSPB Minsmere in East Suffolk have been leaving reviews that the noise coming from the nuclear plant construction site is impacting the tranquillity of the site.

In a post on TripAdvisor, one visitor named Ron H, told people not to go as the noise from Sizewell C could "ruin your day".

A Birdseye view of the site facing north onto RSPB Minsmere.. (Image: MIKE PAGE)

He said: "I visit places like this to help me be calm and relaxed.

"Non-stop noise from Sizewell C made my visit horrible.

"Please also remember that you will be going there amongst hundreds of lorries for Sizewell."

Meanwhile, Jenny Kirtley from Together Against Sizewell C, says she noticed "constant banging" at the site when visiting recently and described the noise as a “real problem”.

Alison Downes of Stop Sizewell C and Jenny Kirtley of Together Against Sizewell C. (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

She said: “I have visited RSPB Minsmere a couple of times recently, the last time on Easter Monday, when the pile driving, which seems to be the main problem.

"The areas around Sizewell have been badly affected by noise pollution.

“They've risked billions of taxpayer funds on Sizewell C, putting designated wildlife sites and iconic species such as Avocet, Bittern, Bearded Tit and Marsh Harrier at risk.”

Meanwhile, Alison Downes of Stop Sizewell C, said she was "not surprised by the reviews".

She said: "Visitors are telling me they won't be coming back as it's just too depressing."

A spokesman for RSPB Minsmere agreed that the current noise and disruption from the site is "far from ideal".

They said: "Despite these challenges, Minsmere’s wildlife continues to thrive.

"We are actively working on projects to enhance the visitor experience during the construction period and remain committed to protecting one of the UK’s most diverse and unique nature reserves.

“RSPB Minsmere needs the continued support of our visitors and members during this time of nearby construction."

He went on to outline "record bird numbers" in the area and that the site was “continually monitoring potential effects”.

He noted that during spring 2025 the site recorded 17 booming Bitterns, the second highest total ever, as well as high numbers of Sandwich Terns fledged from the Scrape.

Steve Mannings, head of ecology at Sizewell C (Image: Sizewell C)

Steve Mannings, Head of Ecology at Sizewell C, added: “We’re really pleased to see – through our own monitoring and independent surveys carried out by the RSPB – that wildlife is continuing to thrive alongside the construction site. This reflects the range of mitigation measures we’ve put in place, including a five‑metre acoustic fence and the creation of three new nature reserves around Leiston, including our flagship reserve Wild Aldhurst.

“The TripAdvisor comment from December refers to sheet piling work for our temporary sea defences, which can be particularly noisy, and we apologise for any disturbance this may have caused. We’ll continue to work closely with the RSPB to minimise impacts and make sure wildlife remains protected throughout construction.”

Mark Packard of East Suffolk Council. (Image: East Suffolk Council)

Meanwhile, cabinet member for planning and coastal management at East Suffolk Council, Mark Packard, said that if people's experiences are being affected in some way, then they can make a complaint to East Suffolk Council.

"Please cite an example, and we'll look at it. We have regular contact with Sizewell, and we know we can pass that through to them

However, he noted that it was difficult because Sizewell C is a national project, so they can often override the council in any enforcement attempts.