Suffolk Coast and Heaths

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. 

At nearly 55 hectares Hen Reedbeds nature reserve is a fantastic example of the benefits nature conservation brings to both wildlife and people.  Created in 1999 and extended in 2003, the mix of reedbed, fen, dykes, pools and grazing marsh are a magnet for wildlife, offering spectacular opportunities for both local people and visitors to watch wildlife and enjoy the landscape. The reserve, which is inside the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB, is important on a national and international scale, being designated National Nature Reserve (NNR), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Protection Area (SPA). 

“Thanks to funding from the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Connect scheme two sets of steps have been built which create a safe route between footpaths at the top and bottom of the steep and slippery river wall and improvements to the ramped access to the viewing platform have made it safer and more manageable for people with limited mobility and families with young children. This work in particular was undertaken with guidance from Anthony Chapman - a Suffolk Wildlife Trustee who is a wheelchair user himself,” says Christine Luxton from the Wildlife Trust.

“A wide view of the reeds and pools with good opportunity to see marsh harriers, hobbies, bearded tits and bitterns makes this viewpoint one of the best static bird-watching spots on the Suffolk coast. Now I and other visitors with mobility difficulties can access it without a bumpy ride, thanks to this welcome upgrade of the approach path from the reserve’s car park,” says Anthony.

The Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Connect scheme funds projects which improve and enhance the AONB through money raised by businesses in the area.  Since 2001, over £40,000 has been raised which has funded over 50 different projects including this access improvement at the Hen reedbeds.

For more information please contact SWT development manager Christine Luxton Suffolk Wildlife Trust on 01473 890089 or Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Connect and Sustainable Development Fund Coordinator Heather Carroll on 01394 384948/ 07799291078.

The Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is one of Britain’s finest landscapes. Located on the coast of East Anglia the AONB extends from the Stour estuary in the south to the eastern fringe of Ipswich and Kessingland in the north. It covers 150 square miles, including wildlife-rich wetlands, ancient heaths, windswept shingle beaches and historic towns and villages. The UK's 49 AONBs are part of a ‘family’ of protected areas that also includes our National Parks. All receive special protection because of their outstanding landscape, heritage and wildlife. The Suffolk Coast and Heaths Unit is hosted by Suffolk County Council and supported by Natural England, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Coastal District Council, Babergh District Council, Waveney District Council, Tendring District Council and Essex County Council and a variety of organisations from the voluntary and private sector.