Suffolk Coast and Heaths

Warning: Footpaths and/or other rights of way in the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB are subject to closure or temporary restrictions. This update covers known issues over the Autumn of 2010, including footpath closures in the Dunwich - Walberswick area.

The Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Unit are appealing for volunteers to take part in this year’s Beachwatch event, and help us to turn the tide on marine litter.

How climate change will affect farming and the landscapes of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths will be studied under a major new project. The Future Landscapes project will be delivered over the next 18 months by NFU East Anglia, working on behalf of Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

An ‘I’m a Good Dog!’ walk is to be held at Sutton Common at 1pm on Sunday 4th July (Grid reference: TM305475). The event will help to launch a new ‘I’m a Good Dog!’ campaign to promote responsible dog ownership in the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The outstanding landscape and wildlife of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB make it an inspirational location for photographers. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB, we are holding a photography competition. All we are asking is “give us your best shot!”

As part of our positive approach to the future management of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Cathy Smith as a full time Fundraising and Development Officer.

A new Management Strategy for the Stour and Orwell Estuaries is to be launched on Friday 26th February 2010. The new five-year Strategy is a vital document because it seeks to find sustainable solutions for the many pressures facing these internationally important estuaries. It will also coordinate the work of the partnership of organisations involved with their care, which includes members from the public, private and voluntary sector.

The Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership has voted to support plans by Natural England, the Government’s advisor on the countryside, and RSPB to reintroduce White-tailed Eagles to the Suffolk coast.

Sponsorship from businesses who are members of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Connect scheme has resulted in access being improved to a key Suffolk Wildlife Trust nature reserve near Southwold – home to nesting bittern, marsh harrier, water vole and an array of dragonflies.

As part of the Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival fringe events organised this year, the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Unit is leading a guided walk on Thursday 1st October entitled ‘Food and the Landscape – a walk through history’. The walk will start at the Granary Teashop, Snape Maltings at 10.45am tomorrow. There is no need to book on the walk, simply turn up at Snape Maltings at 10.45am!