Management Plan

The 2023-2028 Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Management Plan guides decision making in our nationally important

landscape. 

Following the Government funded Landscapes Review of National Parks and AONBs, in November 2023 AONBs were renamed National Landscapes, with the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB becoming the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape.

However, as law and policy was not changed, a decision to use the term AONB in the statutory Management Plan was made.

The new plan reflects the extension of the nationally designated landscape into Essex in 2020. The extension was made by an Order signed by the Secretary of State at the Department for Environment,  Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The Management Plan was developed in consultation with environmental, commercial, agricultural, and community interests, and was subject to a public consultation via an online survey, which was very well responded to.

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) requires local authorities to review Management Plans for AONBs every five years. This plan meets that requirement and forms the policy for the designated landscape.

Partnership organisations sign a commitment to implement the plan and agree to share a common vision for the long-term care of the AONB.