Natural England has today (26 January 2018) invited views on its plans to extend the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) by almost 4,000 hectares.
With its striking coastal scenery, dense forests and picturesque shingle beaches, the area is already renowned for its stunning landscapes – and today a consultation opens to seek views from the public and local authorities on whether the AONB should be extended further south and into Essex.
The extension would include the Stour Estuary and its valley slopes, as well as a number of tributary valleys on the Shotley Peninsula. Located close to Ipswich in South Suffolk, and between Manningtree and Harwich in North Essex, 3,793 extra hectares have been proposed as an AONB. These specially protected areas are some of England’s most cherished landscapes, given special conservation status for their outstanding natural value.
Andrew Sells, Chairman of Natural England, said:
“The landscapes spanning Suffolk and Essex are undoubtedly some of the most spectacular in the country, treasured by locals and visitors alike. This is a great opportunity to consider their natural and cultural richness and whether they merit new areas receiving the protection of AONB status.
“We welcome this consultation and are eager for the public and local authorities to share their views.”
