Landscapes for All
Wellbeing in Nature Walks
Wellbeing in Nature walks are our new Landscapes for All monthly Wellbeing walks in the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape, which supports people to improve their mental health and wellbeing by connecting with beautiful natural landscapes protected for nature.
Walking is much more than just exercise, it is a chance to unwind, meet new people, discover, and connect with the beauty of our National Landscapes. Everyone is welcome on the Landscapes for All Wellbeing in Nature Walks.
Wellbeing in Nature Walking groups are small (max. Group size 10 people) and inclusive and can link participants with further volunteering and activities organised by the National Landscape team.
Our Wellbeing in Nature Walks are led by an experienced member of National Landscapes team so there is no need to plan your route. National Landscape staff have enhanced DBS certificates and have undertaken safeguarding and First Aid training.
Minibus pickup points are available from the Ipswich area for those that cannot travel independently.
Wellbeing in Nature Walks are also delivered in the Dedham Vale National Landscape if participants would like to join more sessions. More information is available on the website Wellbeing in Nature Walks – Dedham Vale National Landscape (www.dedhamvale-nl.org.uk)
To book places on the Wellbeing in Nature Walks, contact Jenny Moss by emailing [email protected] or by calling 07514723515 or 01394 445 211. Alternatively, referrals can be made via the Suffolk Information Partnership for service users by going to the Suffolk Information Partnership website.
Upcoming Events
1 - Snape Stroll
Date: 16th May 2024
Start time: 11am
Distance: 2.5 miles (4km)
Duration: Allow 1.5 hours
Type: Circular
Terrain: Easy – Mostly well made paths and tracks; some sections on minor roads and pavements. Take great care.
Meeting point: Front of Snape Maltings, IP17 1SP
How to get there: By Car, see directions to Snape Maltings. By Train to Wickham Market and then the Katch bus service to Snape Maltings.
Overview: Following the Sailors path this walk takes in views of the River Alde one of the most beautiful estuaries on the east coast. The river flows through wide marshes and low hills under a huge Suffolk sky, Snape Warren Nature Reserve an area of heathland, grassland and scrub is managed by the RSPB. It provides a habitat for many birds, including nightjar, woodlark and yellowhammer and Snape Marshes which are managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust. They are a vital wildlife habitat, combining marsh, reedbed and wet woodland. The walk will start at finish at Snape Maltings.
What to wear: Please ensure that you dress appropriately for the weather. Long trousers and comfortable shoes for walking in. Please ensure that you wear a waterproof coat if wet weather and, in hot weather, bring/wear a sunhat and have sunscreen.
What to bring: Drink & snacks
Other information:
- Refreshments available (cafe)
- Toilets available
- Accessible by public transport
- Car parking available
- Family-Friendly
- Uneven slopes and tree roots
- Sandy soils
- Uneven ground
To book a place on the Wellbeing in Nature Walks, contact Jenny Moss by emailing [email protected] or by calling 07514723515 or 01394 445 211.
2 - Dunwich Heath Circular
Date: 25th July 2024
Start time: 11am
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Duration: Allow 2 hours
Type: Circular
Terrain: Easy – Ground under foot fairly flat.
Meeting point: Coastguard Cottages, Minsmere Road, Dunwich, Suffolk, IP17 3DJ
How to get there: By road signposted from A12. From Westleton/Dunwich road, turn right 1 mile before Dunwich village into Minsmere road, then 1 mile to Dunwich Heath. By train to Darsham Station and catch Connecting Communities Bus to Coastguard cottages.
Overview: Unbeknown to most, the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape sits right on Ipswich’s doorstep. The River Orwell estuary hosts kilometres of
winding public footpaths and offer a great opportunity to spot birds and visit woodland. Due to the nature of the terrain, this walk is not suitable for wheelchair users. Walkers can access the walk via public transport bus numbers 92, 94, 97, 98 all stop nearby.
What to wear: Please ensure that you dress appropriately for the weather. Long trousers and comfortable shoes for walking in. Please ensure that you wear a waterproof coat if wet weather and, in hot weather, bring/wear a sunhat and have sunscreen.
What to bring: Drink & snacks
Other information:
- Refreshments available (cafe)
- Toilets available
- Accessible by public transport
- Car parking available
- Family-Friendly
- Uneven slopes and tree roots
- Sandy soils
- Uneven ground
To book a place on the Wellbeing in Nature Walks, contact Jenny Moss by emailing [email protected] or by calling 07514723515 or 01394 445 211.
