The Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape has started to deliver a round of access improvements to enable and encourage a wider range of people to visit and enjoy the special landscape.

Thanks to capital funding provided by the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), work has seen the installation of several benches and accessible picnic tables across the National Landscape, as well as the removal of obstacles that prevent a range of users enjoying and accessing the landscape.

At Felixstowe Ferry, a popular location for walkers and people using the ferry crossing, benches have been installed on the sea wall and on the Millennium Green. Accessible picnic tables and benches will be installed at Thorpeness and more benches at Westleton Common. 

The wood used was sourced sustainably, and benches and tables were built by local craftspeople. Additionally, a two-way accessible gate has been installed at the Ogilvie Pavilion Field at Thorpeness to enable access to a new picnic area.

The work will improve the visitor experience for people with mobility issues by providing resting points, whilst balancing the needs of recreation and tourism with appreciation and care for the National Landscape.

Feedback has already been positive, with the Trustees of the Felixstowe Ferry Millennium Green and Residents Association saying: “Please accept our grateful thanks for the new benches which are now installed. They are absolutely splendid, and the craftsmanship is superb. They have already given rise to many admiring comments!”