Birds of Holywells Park

Introduction. This website covers my observations and records of birds and other wildlife in the park and the immediate surroundings. I have been actively birdwatching in the park since early 2007 and have managed to see in excess of 80 species so far. This site has come about with the help and support of Gi Grieco (see Links page) so thank you Gi. 

Above- Sparrowhawk, Holywells Park, 18 August 2009, photo by Parrish Colman 

Historically, the park has held some rare breeding birds, which sadly, are no longer present in the park and are also now scarce in Suffolk as a whole. These include species such as Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Redstart and Turtle Dove. In addition, the park has also played host to some rare species such as Wryneck, Red Backed Shrike, Bittern, Pied Flycatcher and Marsh Tit. The park is overseen by the Parks Department of Ipswich Borough Council (see Links page). The park itself has been open since 1936 and covers some 67 acres of mixed parkland, woods, grassland and water features. 

When to visit. The park can get very busy especially in the warmer weather and is popular with dog walkers and joggers all year round. Therefore, it's generally best to visit the park as early in the morning as possible or just before dusk in order to avoid the crowds. That said I have seen some good birds, such as Hobby, during the middle of the day when the park was full of visitors!

Above- Robin, Holywells Park, Winter 2009

Access: The park is accessible at all times through the entrance on the Cliff Lane/ Landseer Rd junction, via the footpath along the side of Ipswich Tyres on Holywells Rd or via the footpath opposite the post office  on Cliff Lane (follow the canal path and enter the park near to the Canal Pond), and at other times from dawn until dusk through entrances on Myrtle Road (North Entrance), Bishops Hill (North Entrance), Nacton Road (East Entrance) and on Cliff Lane (South Entrance). Please note that the gates are locked promptly at dusk. It's easy to reach by public transport and the park itself is on many bus routes.  

 The parks OS grid reference is TM175 435

If you wish to report any of your own bird sightings then I would love to hear from you so that I can include them in the recent sightings pages. I would also love to hear from anyone who can tell me about historical sightings of birds especially if they are rare or scare species or that have bred in the park.

Email me on: birderbill@hotmail.co.uk