The "natural capital" of our treasured, distinctive landscapes and rich, diverse wildlife in Suffolk is a huge asset but exists in a delicate balance. Our high quality environment cannot be taken as "a given," we must work hard to maintain and enhance these natural assets.
Growth pressures and the implications of climate change are likely to have pronounced effects on the County's landscape and wildlife. Coastal areas in particular are under pressure from sea level rise. We are working on an integrated coastal zone management strategy that addresses the unique issues of this landscape and the needs of its inhabitants, in an area that is most threatened by climate change
Many partners are already leading on projects in this field but the Creating the Greenest County initiative is steering further collaboration and a joined-up approach. We are developing a range of projects in a three-tiered approach aiming to:
- promote the value of what we've got
- avoid deterioration
- to improve and enhance our landscapes wherever possible.
We are supporting landscape and biodiversity mapping initiatives and the use of standard tools to help us understand the landscape, its character and problems. We are committed to ensuring that Environmental Stewardship continues and is adequately funded as a tool for achieving biodiversity and landscape benefits.
A further key area of work is to provide more and higher quality accessible natural greenspace, through the Haven Gateway and St Edmundsbury Green Infrastructure Strategies. Four new green infrastructure projects are currently under way, in and around Ipswich and Woodbridge, and these will be followed by new initiatives around Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill.
An exciting "Rewilding" project has been launched by the Forestry Commission, Suffolk Wildlife Trust and RSPB at Dunwich Forest, to turn 700 acres of conifer plantation into a more diverse and robust series of woodland and open habitats that are accessible to people and richer in wildlife. Work is now underway to explore how the principles and lessons from the Dunwich Forest Rewilding Project can be applied to the rest of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
We are also investigating with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust and other partners, the possibility for similar major "Living Landscapes" projects in the Waveney Valley and the Brecks. We will support local communities with caring for and using our wonderful landscapes, and will support community landscape, woodland and traditional orchard projects through our partners, while providing a strategic direction that ensures they contribute to the greater whole.
Campaign for Farmed Environment in Suffolk - A campaign to encourage farmers and land managers to voluntarily adopt important land management practices that will benefit the environment.
