Living and working in a National Landscape
Welcome to the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape. Established in 1970, the area was extended in 2020 to include the southern shore of the River Stour, the Stour Estuary itself, Samford Valley and Freston Brook.
This special designation covers 441 square kilometres. It is a diverse and ever changing landscape. You can enjoy a low-lying coast of shingle and sand, ancient woodland, forest, lowland heaths, farmland, valley meadowlands, estuaries, marshes, and historic towns and villages.
What does it mean to live and work in an National Landscape? We've put together some useful information to provide an introduction to all things National Landscapes!
Plan Your Visit
The National Landscape is a hugely popular destination for everything from walking the dog, to days at the beach, long distance walks, birdwatching, and staycations.
Volunteering Opportunities
From beach cleans to tree planting, there are lots of ways to get involved and care for the environment, whilst boosting your own wellbeing, through volunteering roles.
Nature Recovery
Working in partnership with landowners and land managers to recover and enhance habitats that support wildlife, including our flagship species, the redshank (pictured).
Grants & Funding
Every year there are opportunities to apply for a grant to support sustainable community led projects within the National Landscape
Working in Partnership
23 organisations work together to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the National Landscape. Find out more about the National Landscape, what we do, and how we work.
Planning
A National Landscape is not about preserving the landscape or having no development, but as an area that is designated for its outstanding landscape, development should contribute to its natural beauty.