10354 SC&H Overview leaflet_A5x6pp 25/05/2011 11:20 Page 1
An introduction to the Where…
What…
When…
The Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a distinctive area of legally protected countryside, towns and villages in East Suffolk. It has a similar status to a National Park and is considered to be a landscape of equally high quality. It is cherished for its relatively undeveloped, tranquil landscape and stunning natural and cultural history. It’s a beautiful place!
The Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB was created in 1970. The designation of AONBs, National Parks and the UK’s most important wildlife sites was first made possible by the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. AONBs now receive stronger protection under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
Lowestoft
The Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB covers 403 square kilometres. It extends from the Stour estuary in the south, to the eastern fringe of Ipswich, and to Kessingland in the north. The AONB includes the seaside towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold, 47 miles of coastline, five major river estuaries, and the area of historic heathland known as the Sandlings. It is one of 46 AONBs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a network of protected landscapes that complements the UK’s 15 National Parks. AONBs and National Parks protect about one quarter of our countryside.
Beccles Kessingland
Wrentham A145
Halesworth Southwold Wenhaston
A144
Yoxford
Minsmere
Leiston Thorpeness
Snape
Rendlesham
Orford
Woodbridge
Rendlesham Forest
Sutton Hoo
Additional project area
River Deben
A14
Nacton
Main roads
River
A12
Railways/stations
Hollesley
Orwe
ll
A14 Trimley St Mary/ St Martin
Alton Water
Chelmondiston Holbrook Shotley
A137
North Sea Felixstowe
Manningtree Mistley
Malcolm Farrow
Orfordness
Bawdsey
Essex Way
Southwold Harbour
River Ore
Waldringfield
Ipswich
Sandlings Walk
Designed by Suffolk Design & Print Tel: 01473 260600
Aldeburgh
River Alde
A12
Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB
Dunwich
Westleton
Saxmundham
Wickham Market
Maps: Crown copyright. All rights reserved. © Suffolk County Council. License LA100023395
Suffolk Coast Path/Stour and Orwell Walk
Walberswick
Darsham
Visit our website: www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org
Towns and villages
River Blythburgh Blyth
A1120
Find out more and get involved… Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Unit Dock Lane, Melton, Suffolk, IP12 1PE Tel: 01394 384948
A12
Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB
River Stour
Harwich
Dunwich Heath Malcolm Farrow
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Caring for the AONB and celebrating its special qualities… An introduction to the Suffolk Coast and Heaths and the work of the AONB Unit and Partnership
Who… 26 organisations work together to care for the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB.
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the future of its communities.
The Partnership is coordinated and supported by the AONB Unit, a small team of dedicated staff. The Unit’s ethos is based on an underlying philosophy of working together with the AONB’s partners and communities in a collaborative way, sharing credit with all involved. It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not mind who gets the credit. This sums up our approach; we simply care about the
The Unit champions the conservation of the AONB, providing a lead on key issues and supporting and facilitating the work of others, whether through providing grants or by bidding for funding for major projects. The Unit also runs a successful volunteer scheme, provides advice, guidance and information on a range of topics, and produces a large number of publications.
Why…
How…
The Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB is a landscape of national importance. The combination of its unique geology and the effects of human activity have created a distinctive area that comprises farmland; heathland; ancient woodland and forestry; reed beds; estuaries; grazing marsh; small towns and villages; low, crumbling cliffs and shingle beaches. This beautiful lowland landscape supports a rich and diverse variety of wildlife.
Every five years a new AONB management plan is produced, which helps to guide the overall conservation of the area. Funding the AONB Unit’s work comes from central government through Defra, from our constituent local authorities that have a legal responsibility to care for the
Empowering communities to care for their coast and countryside.
As well as the formal Partnership, many other organisations, businesses and individuals help to care for the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB. Local people play a very important role in caring for the AONB and many play an active part in its conservation. We thank them all for their support.
The AONB Partnership – working together to care for this special landscape.
Working with local businesses to improve recreation, information and access.
Delivering projects that enhance the landscape.
Supporting education and community initiatives.
AONB and through direct fundraising for projects.
Funding projects that conserve the area’s special wildlife.
Enabling volunteers to play an active role in caring for the AONB.
www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org