A few miles north of Wolferton on the southern shore of the Wash, the Snettisham RSPB reserve is one of the most important winter sites for waders in Europe. Pink-footed geese arrive in the tens of thousands; oystercatchers, knot, dunlin and bar-tailed godwits roost in vast numbers on the gravel pits and saltmarsh.
The reserve is open at all times. There are several hides; the best are reached by a longish walk along the seawall, so allow at least half a day. Check the tide tables before you come — high tide concentrates the birds and is when the real spectacle happens. Wrap up: the wind off the Wash can be cold even in May.