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Sites Map Orford Ness Sutton Hoo Pin Mill Flatford FenbridgeDedham Kyson Hill

Orford Ness is a very large shingle spit (it is almost an island) 10 miles long. Used in WW1:- prisoner of war camp and air field; WW2 :- aircraft testing, invention of radar, bouncing bomb; Cold War :- Nuclear warhead testing and 'Cobra Mist' an over the horizon radar system. See History of the Ness for more.

For weekend tasks we stay in the large base camp which has bunk beds and good showers. Bring your own sleeping bag and any drinks. We share out the cost of the food. To get on the island/spit you need to be brought over by the boat. It can get very cold outside so bring warm clothes. Parts of the site have unexploded bombs - keep out of restricted areas!

Work: Typically building and reparing fences. Other tasks are very varied:- building bird hides, dismantelling a radar system, repairing a H-Bomb testing pit!

Directions: Go to Orford car park - (on the left before the quay). Do not park on quay (we get into trouble). If you get there early the Jolly Sailor pub does good fish and chips (opposite car park). We meet on the quay, and make sure you are there on time (or early) for the warden Dave to pick us up in a boat.

Make sure your bags and stuff are ready to be loaded on the boat 5 min before the sailing time. We all help put the bags and food on the boat and sail over. A Landrover will then drive us the last mile across the island to the base camp.

Boats leave at specific times (due to tides), so DO NOT be late.