"The Disneyland of Wildlife" is how Chris Packham, Springwatch presenter, describes RSPB Minsmere, the location for this year's programme, airing Monday, May 25th - June 11th on BBC2.

According to the show's producers, RSPB Minsmere 'the most wildlife-rich site in the show's 11 year history'; a wildlife bonanza boasting 5,600 plants and animals species including 1,000 species of moth and butterfly, 336 kinds of bird and 37 species of mammal.

Bitterns, otters, avocets, rare species of marsh harriers, nocturnal moth-eating nightjars and the UK's only venomous snake, the adder, will all be making an appearance this year, testament to Minsmere's unrivalled reputation as one of the most diverse wildlife reserves in the UK.

Whilst  Springwatch is aired during just two weeks of the year,  it's positive impact has been much more enduring, according to tourism bosses.

George Bradley, General Manager of Suffolk Secrets, said he's looking forward to welcoming wildlife tourists during 2015 following the 'Springwatch Effect'. Last year, 11,000 visitors flocked to the site during filming, double the usual visitor numbers, whilst th'Springwatch Effect' was a 'major boost to short break tourism' throughout the year.

"Bookings in the surrounding Coast and Heaths area - Minsmere, Dunwich, Westleton, Eastbridge and Middleton - soared by over 23% following the broadcast of Springwatch last year and remained buoyant throughout 2014, testament to the increasing popularity of wildlife tourism with couples and families. They want to see the dramas played out on the small screen in real life," he says.

if you're one of those who'd like to experience all the joy of Minsmere and the surrounding area without the crowds, here's how.

For bookings, contact Suffolk Secrets on 01502 722717 or visit suffolk-secrets.co.uk

SPRINGWATCH - DIY

Best for couples

Middle Cottage, Westleton

Distance from Minsmere: 2.5 miles

Sleeps 3 in 2 bedrooms

Price from £310 per week or £235 for a 3 night short break

Middle Cottage is a delightful light and airy 19th century cottage located on a quiet lane just off the village centre. There are footpaths on the doorstep with the garden gate opening directly onto Westleton Common. The owners have made the property cosy and welcoming with good quality furnishings. There is a good space for dining in the south facing conservatory with French doors to the garden.

Church Farm Cottage, Dunwich

Distance from Minsmere: 4.2 miles

Sleeps 2 in 1 bedroom

Price from £240 per week or £180 for a 3 night short break

One of the most budget-friendly properties in the area, Church Farm Cottage is a basic but pretty single storey building set to the rear of a Church. Just a 5 minute walk from the sea, it boasts a secluded garden with table and chairs to enjoy the spring sunshine.

Best for small families

Scotts Hall Cottage, Minsmere

Distance from Minsmere: 0.5 miles

Sleeps 6, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Price from £505 per week or £380 for a 3 night short break

A Gold Award property for quality accommodation and customer service, Scotts Hall Cottage is a beautifully situated Victorian cottage within the RSPB nature reserve at Minsmere. Converted from two cottages, the property is comfortably furnished and offers everything you could need for a relaxing holiday or short break in the Suffolk countryside with nature quite literally on your doorstep.

Meadowsweet Cottage, Middleton

Distance from Minsmere: 4 miles

Sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms

Price from £385 per week or £290 for a 3 night short break

A Gold Award property, detached and recently renovated in a 'New England' style, Meadowsweet Cottage offers comfortable accommodation including French doors which lead to the garden from the dining and sitting room. Pet friendly, too.

Apple Tree Cottage, Dunwich

Distance from Minsmere: 4.2 miles

Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom

Price from £410 per week or £310 for 3 night short break

Apple Tree Cottage is a beautiful, traditional Suffolk cottage, uniquely situated in a wooded valley accessed by a long, un-adopted country lane. At the start of the lane you can take in countryside views all the way to Southwold. The cottage has recently been renovated, offering contemporary finishes and cosy surroundings. A neutral palette of colours on the walls is complimented by hand-painted Farrow & Ball furniture, luxury linens and throws. Apple Tree Cottage is ideal for exploring all that the Suffolk Heritage Coast has to offer.

Best for large groups and families

NEW! Jasmine Cottage, Dunwich

Distance from Minsmere: 4.2 miles

Sleeps 6, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms        

Price from £660 per week or £495 for a 3 night short break

A newly renovated cottage hence great summer availability, Jasmine Cottage has been decorated to a high standard and offers quality furnishings throughout. Situated in the desirable village of Dunwich, the property offers first class facilities and fantastic views of the marshes through the large vaulted window. The open plan area which includes the sitting, kitchen and dining areas is a great sociable space and bi-folding doors open out onto the lovely rear garden. The two seating areas inside and outside make this accommodation flexible, spacious and ideal for a Suffolk adventure.

The Coach House, Dunwich

Distance from Minsmere: 4.2 miles

Sleeps 8, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 pets allowed!

Price from £775 per week or £580 for a 3 night short break.

4 star accommodation. Marsh and sea views. The Coach House is over a hundred years old and is full of character situated in a much sought-after location within Dunwich. The ground floor was originally two stables and the original floor bricks are still present. The property boasts fantastic views over the marshes and sea and is located only a short walk away from the beach. The Coach House is an ideal base for an idyllic holiday and offers private parking and also a large garden with a barbecue to enjoy.

Cobblers, Eastbridge

Distance from Minsmere: 1.8 miles

Sleeps 5, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 pet allowed

Price from £410 per week or £310 for a 3 night short break

A recently built property in a traditional style, Cobblers offers attractive, comfortable accommodation with beautiful countryside right on the doorstep. A secluded sunny, enclosed sunny garden makes it ideal for families, whilst a woodburning stove takes the chill of Spring evenings.