Landscape Lens: Focus on Ferry Cliff

Ferry Cliff Woods with views of the River Deben and blue skies
Ferry Cliff Woods with views of the River Deben and blue skies

Landscape Lens is our fixed-point photography project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to encourage residents and visitors to connect with the landscape. 

One location part of the project is Ferry Cliff owned by the National Trust and features as part of the Sutton Hoo Long Estate Walk. 

Ferry Cliff is located along the River Deben and provides sensational view of the estuary and Woodbridge Tide Mill in the distance. 

The River Deben is tidal between Felixstowe Ferry at the mouth of the river and Wilford Bridge north of Woodbridge, forming an estuary as the tide meets freshwater.  The estuary is relatively narrow and sheltered and has limited flow of freshwater. 

The Deben has the highest amount of salt marsh of any Suffolk river. Saltmarsh develops closer to dry land and is important as it stabilises incoming sediment creating a marsh environment that supports the marine food chain, provides essential coastal flood protection, and improves carbon storage. 

The River Deben is a great habitat for breeding and migrant birds. The extensive mudflats and salt marsh support 70 species of bird, including cormorants, oystercatchers and curlews.

The estuary has one of the most significant overwintering populations of avocets in the UK and a large population of redshanks. The importance of this habitat is recognised by its designation as a Special Protection Area by Natural England.

More details will be announced soon! Find out more about the Landscape Lens fixed-point photography project.

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