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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!

A close up shot of a Stour and Orwell Walk Waymarker Disc

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.

Volunteers collecting litter from a beach

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.

Redshank birtd in the river deben

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.

Buildings and boat machinery and Pin Mill with blue skies overhead

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.