A Guide to Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB

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

10354 SC&H Overview leaflet_A5x6pp 25/05/2011 11:20 Page 2

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