Green Suffolk News

Polar Bears are coming to Suffolk!

Emma Dixon — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:12:09 +0000

At this years Suffolk Show you will not fail to notice the attention grabbing “Creating the Greenest County” marquee, with its unusual and interactive performances, based on Flower Show Avenue at Stand 761.

As last years Suffolk Show award winners for 'The Best Environmental or Educational Issue', this year's exhibition area promises to be even better! Our partners have put together some inspirational demonstrations that will engage both children and adults and encourage them to live greener lives.

The Arctic's most iconic creature, polar bears are synonymous with the global challenges posed by climate change. By visiting Stand 761 you will be able to come face to face with Bjorn the Polar Bear and hear from the bears Inuit companion about how climate change affects this species and what you can do to help. The life size polar bear and his handler's interactive performance will be taking place 3 times a day at 10.30 am, 1.30 pm and 3.30 pm.

The ever popular Love Food Hate Waste road show is also returning to the Suffolk Show to present you with a fantastic range of ways to use leftovers through its exciting and practical cookery demonstrations. These will be taking place 4 times every day at 9.30 am, 11.30 am, 2.30 pm and 4.00 pm.

David Barker, Chairman of Suffolk – Creating the Greenest County said “the demonstrations we have in the marquee this year will be entertaining for all ages and have a clear message around Creating the Greenest County. Our partners are exhibiting within the marquee and will be on hand to help guide the public when they are inspired by these fantastic performances to help make their own county of Suffolk become the greenest.”

In addition to the spectacular performances there will be a range of organisations and businesses showcasing their green products and ideas to the public.

The Suffolk Waste Partnership will be present to help clear up any confusion you have about which plastics you can recycle– you can spot them in their 50’s gear and watch their spiffing new video!
ActivGardens (part of the ActivLives charity) will be showcasing their work which brings people together in an active and healthy way, creating change to improve the vitality of communities and the people who live in them.
Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB (Areas Of Natural Beauty) will be promoting the conservation of our environment and what they do to protect and enhance this beautiful area of the Suffolk landscape.
FCC Environment (managers of household waste and recycling centres for Suffolk County Council) will be on hand with their interactive exhibition stand, a game designed for children and adults alike!
MLM Consulting Engineers' stand will show you how their products can make a difference to help you save energy in an interactive way.
Suffolk Master Composters are promoting the benefits and offering advice on home composting to give your garden and the environment a boost.
Wild Anglia is putting our natural environment at the heart of decision making in Norfolk and Suffolk.
The Suffolk Climate Change Partnership will be offering inspiration and practical advice on reducing your household energy bills through the latest grants and offers.
You can also find out about the SABRE project which provides free, independent feasibility reviews for small businesses looking to install renewable energy.

This years Creating the Greenest County stand at the Suffolk Show is an interactive, exciting and family friendly place to spend your time. Alongside all of the above, children can also enjoy the colouring-in corner and face painting.

Visit us at Stand 761, Flower Show Avenue.

CO2art 2013 Exhibition to Open

Emma Dixon — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:07:37 +0000

The CO2art 2013 exhibition opens on Wednesday 19 June in Gallery 3 of the Ipswich Town Hall Galleries.

This is the second art exhibition and award for Suffolk secondary school students on the challenge of climate change, organised by the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership.

The aim of CO2art is for students aged 11 to 16 to create a collaborative piece of visual art that will help young people engage in the issue, enthuse them to take action, and express their concerns on climate change to the wider community.

The artwork could be in any size, and in any media from paintings and collage, sculpture and installations to photography, film and digital media.

The exhibition is open Tuesday – Friday, 10am to 5pm, and Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and runs until 26 June 2013.

For more information visit www.greensuffolk.org/schools/co2art/ or call Christian Figg on 0800 02 88 938.

Book your free renewable energy review today!

Emma Flint — Fri, 10 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

SABRE is offering small and medium-sized businesses and social enterprises in Suffolk free renewable energy feasibility reviews to help them discover their potential to generate renewable energy.

SABRE is offering small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs)/social enterprises (SEs) in Suffolk the opportunity to discover their potential to generate renewable energy by providing them with independent and impartial support and advice on investment opportunities created by Feed-in Tariffs and the Renewable Heat Incentive.

This support can help you generate your own energy, reduce your carbon footprint and even generate an income for your organisation.

SABRE is a three-year partnership project between Groundwork East of England and Suffolk County Council on behalf of the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership and is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

SABRE is a three-year partnership project between Groundwork Suffolk and Suffolk County Council on behalf of the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership and is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

Find out more about the project here

Tenants wanted for County Farms

Emma Dixon — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:02:02 +0000

Four county council farms and three parcels of land are now available for let in Suffolk.

The properties, available from October this year, are Spring Hall Farm and Plantation Farm near Mildenhall; Dovefield Farm near Capel St Mary and Pleasurewood Farm, Lowestoft; together with areas of land in the Mildenhall area and Bardwell.

Applications are encouraged from both the farming sector, and from younger entrepreneurial minded persons and community groups, seeking to find an entrance into the rural business environment. Suffolk County Council is particularly seeking both social and private entrepreneurs with proposals that can contribute to the Council’s Corporate priorities. The holdings are available either as a whole or in part. Some may suit rural based initiatives such as Community or Care Farming.

Tenancies are available from October 2013 and expressions of interest or application forms need to be received no later than 12 noon Friday 28th June 2013.

Visit www.greensuffolk.org/countyfarms for more information.

Suffolk Cycle Challenge 1st - 21st July 2013

Chris Ward — Wed, 01 May 2013 14:11:27 +0000

Can your business get the most staff cycling, creating a healthier, happier workforce, reducing the demand for parking and demonstrating your company's commitment to the environment?

Join this free, incentive-based staff cycling scheme to encourage and support employees to discover the benefits of cycling. Workplaces across Suffolk will compete to win fantastic individual and team prizes. ‬ Your staff only need to try cycling for 10 minutes, anywhere and at any time within the 3 week competition period. ‬‬‬

For more information and to register visit www.lovetoride.net/suffolk or call Ruth Newton on 07743 398 788.

Get motivated, get walking in Lowestoft!

Chris Ward — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:39:10 +0000

Do you want the chance to win a £20 Love2Shop voucher? Well here’s how!

May is National Walking Month, and to promote walking in Lowestoft we are asking you to walk more of your journeys and take some snaps along the way!

Walking is easy, most of us walk everyday! It’s great for your health and has many benefits. It’s easy to do and can be done practically anywhere. Did you know that any brisk walk over ten minutes long counts? You can take along the family, the dog or a friend and use the time to have a good chat along the way. Whatever the weather come rain or shine walking is great – if it’s raining just pop on a pair of wellies and splash around in the puddles. Best of all walking is free!

Swap your car journey to work or school and walk for a change, or leave the car at home and walk to the shops. Not only is this a healthier option you will also save money!

We want you to take some photos of your walking journey this month and send them in to us either through our Facebook page – www.facebook.com/LowestoftLocalLinks or via Twitter - @LowestoftLinks or you can email us on LowestofLocalLinks@suffolk.gov.uk. You have from the 1st May – 31st May to send in your entries to us.

Two winners will be awarded a £20 Love2Shop voucher. One of our winners will be awarded for the best photo that captures walking in Lowestoft judged by local photographer Peter Eyles. Our other winner will be decided by YOU. All photos will be placed in a folder on our Facebook page so just simply like the one that is your favourite. The photo with the most likes on the 31st May will be our winner – don’t forget to share the page with your family and friends!

Winners will be announced via Facebook on the Monday 3rd June. Good Luck to everyone – we look forward to seeing your entries.’

Lowestoft Cycle Festival 18th - 19th May 2013

Chris Ward — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 11:01:42 +0000

Join the Lowestoft Local Links team for the first ever Lowestoft Cycle Festival to be held this summer for lots of family fun and entertainment.

The two day festival is geared to appeal to all age groups, and promises great fun for everyone whether you are a keen cyclist, an aspiring cyclist or even a non cyclist.

The festival will take place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th of May, 10am – 4pm, on the Royal Green in Lowestoft and will host a range of exciting events and activities including:

Sponsored Seafront Cycle Rides – Enter a team and raise money for a local charity of your choice!
A Tented Village – including cycle and retail exhibitions from Lowestoft and Beccles retailers.
Free Cycle Maintenance, Dr Bike Workshops and Security Marking.
A ‘Test Ride Area’ on a variety of conventional and electric cycles.
Scooter Challenges and Circus Performance Sessions.
Cycle Trials Display Team
Live Music and an ‘Entertainment Zone’
Plus much more!

There are three available courses for the Sponsored Seafront Cycle Ride, the first is a 2.5 mile, traffic free circuit along the seafront of Lowestoft, this distance can be increased by repeating the course as many times as you wish! This course will be suitable for all ages with participants on bikes and scooters.

A 5 mile and a 10 mile Sponsored Cycle Ride road course will also be available, where possible these will be using cycle paths or low volume traffic routes.

To enter a team for the Sponsored Cycle Rides or for more information about the Lowestoft Cycle Festival please visit www.LowestoftCycling.com

Greenest County Awards at Great Success!

Emma Dixon — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 09:13:32 +0000

The Creating the Greenest County Awards 2013 were held last night at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds.

The Awards, now in their sixth year, recognise the inspiring achievements of individuals, schools, businesses and communities from across the whole of Suffolk.

Achievements in areas such as carbon reduction, wildlife conservation and local food and drink were all celebrated, after over 70 entries were received.

There were 12 exclusive categories, and for the first time in the history of the awards, a Champion of Champions category was given out, voted for by the public from a shortlist of previous winners from the past five years. 2000 votes were cast for this popular category.

Suffolk's own Paralympic medal winner Zoe Newson, who brought home bronze at London2012 for powerlifting, was the surprise guest host for the Champion of Champions, which was won by Birchwood Primary School.

To see the full list of results click here

The event was produced by Caroline Gould Events.

Cycle Training for Women in Felixstowe and Ipswich

Chris Ward — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:39:57 +0000

Pink Sky Cycling is starting a new series of women only cycle training courses in April. They are currently recruiting learners onto Beginners courses (for those with little or no cycling experience) and Improvers courses (for those who want to gain confidence on the roads) and there are still a few places left.

For more information or to register onto a course please visit www.pinkskycycling.com

Also visit the Pink Sky Cycling Facebook page here

Don't Be A Tosser! - Help in the 2013 Spring Clean Suffolk

Emma James — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Following on from the success of the last 5 years, the Don’t Be a Tosser campaign is launched again today.

BBC Radio Suffolk will be leading on the campaign through their radio shows and website which is taking place between Monday 25 March to Sunday 7 April. As in previous years, a separate campaign with schools is running using the "Spring Clean Suffolk" title.

By organising or participating in a local clean up event, residents, businesses and community groups will help improve the look and feel of their neighbourhood and reduce the risks to human health and wildlife. It's also an excellent opportunity to meet new people and engender community spirit. Council Waste and Street Scene Services will provide organisers with litter pickers, refuse sacks and disposable rubber gloves and arrange for the collection and disposal of the rubbish collected.

Why not organise or get involved in a litter clean up of your local area? By doing so you'll make a REAL difference to the quality of your local environment - and it will make you feel good about it afterwards! Anyone wishing to organise a litter pick should contact their local waste team. Click here for details.

Litter picks can be carried out at any time of the year. Local waste teams are always happy to hear from anyone wishing to organise a litter pick and will provide support and equipment.

It is worth noting that the campaign has in the past won Green Apple, Sony and Frank Gillard Radio Awards and is widely supported by organisations such as Town and Parish Councils, the Suffolk Constabulary, NHS Suffolk, Suffolk WI and Rotary Clubs across the county.

The Spring Clean Suffolk campaign forms part of Suffolk County Council's 'Creating the Greenest County' initiative which aims to respond to climate change and enhance the natural and historic environment.

Ton up for Carbon Charter

Ned Harrison — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:11:22 +0000

Blocks Solicitors has recently been awarded the Suffolk Carbon Charter, at Bronze Level. The award was presented by Cllr Lisa Chambers at Blocks Ipswich office and was the 100th Charter to be awarded to a Suffolk Business.

The Suffolk Carbon Charter is awarded to companies that are monitoring and reducing their carbon emissions. It allows Suffolk's small businesses to communicate their environmental commitment with a clearly recognisable brand. It is intended to provide public recognition of this vital step to our shared goal of creating the Greenest County. The Bronze level recognises companies taking their environmental responsibility seriously; with effective carbon monitoring and reduction plans in place.

Cllr Chambers (right) presents the charter Sallie Davies

Sallie Davies, employment solicitor at Blocks Solicitors has been driving the project on behalf of Blocks. “I am absolutely delighted that we have been awarded the Carbon Charter. All the staff involved are to be commended for their efforts to date in helping to achieve this award. I think that Individuals and companies alike are changing their habits in order to reduce their energy use, and this was something very much that we as a company wanted to achieve.”

In making the award, the independent Carbon Charter Panel particularly noted the clear lead and representation across the organisation, as well as the progress already made across a number of areas, notably around server virtualisation and a programme of pc replacement.

Cllr Lisa Chambers, Cabinet Member for Environment and Property Management commented: “Business is leading the way here; we’re just ensuring they get the support they need. The level of interest in the Charter demonstrates the value of that support. Through a number of initiatives, including the Charter, we are supporting businesses across Suffolk to save energy and money and at the same time generate new business. In the current climate that is something that can not be ignored.

Many congratulations to Blocks Legal and all the Carbon Charter holders. I applaud their commitment to our shared goal of Creating the Greenest County, and look forward to this network continuing to grow.”

For further information on the Suffolk Carbon Charter, go to www.greensuffolk.org/charter.

The Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership Needs You

Emma Dixon — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:56:11 +0000

If you have an interest in the conservation of Suffolk’s wildlife, whether you are a conservation professional or a member of a community group, your opinion is valuable and the Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership would like to hear from you.

The Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership is currently reviewing the role of the Partnership, and is asking for your help in defining the partnerships future role. In the past they have aimed to support and provide added value to the work of their partners and they would greatly welcome your feedback on how this can best be achieved in the future.

The Partnership has changed since its formation in 1998. In the light of the government’s Natural Environment White Paper 2011 based on Prof John Lawton’s report ‘Making Space for Nature’, and the subsequent development of a Norfolk and Suffolk Local Nature Partnership (Wild Anglia), further changes need to be made. With your help, they can streamline Suffolk Biodiversity Partnership, making it more effective in supporting you to meet your targets, whether they are on a landscape or a parish level.

To be a part of this process, please follow the link to the Survey Monkey and complete the short questionnaire. It will only take about 5 minutes and they really do want to hear your views!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RY52NT8

Suffolk's Solar Powered Recyclers

Emma Flint — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:11:08 +0000

Sackers Recycling has become the first business to take advantage of the SABRE project by successfully installing a 50kw Solar PV system at their site in Great Blakenham, helping them generate their own energy.

SABRE is a three-year partnership project between Suffolk County Council and Groundwork Suffolk on behalf of the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership and is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. It is a free service which offers small and medium sized enterprises in Suffolk the opportunity to discover their potential to generate renewable energy. It provides them with independent and impartial support, giving advice on investment opportunities created by the Feed-in-Tariff and the Renewable Heat Incentive.

Sackers approached the SABRE advisor earlier in the year after attending the ‘Suffolk Green 50’ event as they were to keen to take the step towards renewable technology to help reduce their energy bills and lower their carbon footprint. Their Solar PV installation will have paid for itself by 2022 and it is estimated that over £2,620 will be saved each year along with 21 tonnes of carbon.

Chris Oliver, Finance Manager for Sackers, said “we found SABRE’s support to be proactive and professional, and it was clear that the advisor knew his field. SABRE were on hand to give advice every step of the way and we would now consider them to be a business partner for future opportunities”

Lisa Chambers, Cabinet Member for Environment and Property Management said “It’s really great to see local businesses taking advantage of this service which enables Suffolk businesses to reduce their costs, lower their emissions and therefore become more competitive into today’s marketplace.

I would urge any businesses looking to lower their energy costs by installing renewables to contact SABRE to get a professional and impartial view of their best options”

The SABRE project is supporting 120 businesses or enterprises over three years. Everyone who takes part in the project will receive:

A free independent and impartial Renewable Energy Feasibility Review
Further free support and advice on renewable energy

To book a review simply contact Groundwork Suffolk on 01394 444584 or email sabre@groundwork.org.uk to register your interest in the service. An Environmental Advisor will then be in touch to talk you through the service, check your eligibility and book you in for a free review.

More information about SABRE can be found here.

Notes to the Editor:

1. The Support and Advice around Renewable Energy (SABRE) project is part financed by the East of England Regional Competitiveness and Employment Programme European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programme 2007 to 2013. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs. For more information click here

Warmer Homes Healthy People roadshow new dates announced

Emma Dixon — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Help is still on hand from the Suffolk wide Warm Homes Healthy People scheme, with support available to those most in need of additional help to either stay warm or afford their home energy bills after this long cold winter.

The Warm Homes Healthy People scheme can help people living in their own home, or one rented from a private landlord and is aimed at families on a low income, families with children, the over 60’s, households with a person with disabilities and young people with learning disabilities.

A series of roadshows are taking place across Suffolk to give people the chance to come along and find out if they or someone they know are eligible for some of the free help on offer such as emergency boiler repairs, or insulation and other energy- efficiency measures including draught proofing, or even assistance with paying fuel bills or the loan of a heater. Residents can also receive advice and support on a range of issues including interest-free loans for oil heating top-ups, money management advice, meals-on-wheels and supply of home safety and energy products.

For those who cannot get to the roadshows, there is also a special Winter Wellbeing helpline 08456 037 686 to deal with enquiries. Anyone who has a vulnerable relative or neighbour is urged to help them find out more about what support and assistance might be available to them by calling the helpline.

Councillor Colin Noble, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for health and adult care, said: “It is fantastic that Suffolk residents will again be able to benefit from this fund. So much good was done last year in supporting those most in need get through the winter months. I would urge anyone who is concerned that a family member or friend may be suffering in silence about being cold at home to get in touch or come along to a roadshow event to find out if they are eligible to receive help from the Warmer Homes Healthy People grant.”

Roadshow dates and locations are as follows:

Thursday 21st March 10am - 3pm - Morrisons, Grange Farm Ave, Felixstowe
Monday 25 March 10am - 2pm – Gainsborough Library, clapgate Lane, Ipswich
Tuesday 26th March 09.30 - 3pm - Asda, Belvedere Road-Off Horn Hill, Lowestoft
Wednesday 3 April 10am - 2pm - Castle Hill Community Centre, Whitton, Ipswich
Friday 5th April 10am - 3pm - Asda, Goddard Rd, Whitehouse Industrial Estate, Ipswich
Tuesday 16th April - 10am - 3pm - Asda, Meadow Centre, Wilkes Way, Stowmarket

For more information about these roadshows visit www.greensuffolk.org/events

Community Composting

Emma Dixon — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:30:25 +0000

Is your parish or community interested in starting a Community Composting project? A handful of Suffolk places remain for the second Suffolk and Norfolk Community Composting Network Seminar on Sunday 17th March 2013 in Thurlton (South Norfolk). This free event (lunch provided) promises to be an interesting and interactive day, with expert speakers and a visit to the local community composting site.

Please note that places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. Initially places will be limited to one person per community group.

For more information and to request a place please email your name and phone number to craig.renton@suffolk.gov.uk or call on 01473 264795 by Thursday 14th March.

Energy switching to save cash for residents

Emma Dixon — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 11:06:43 +0000

A new collective energy-switching scheme has been launched by Suffolk’s local councils.

The Suffolk Big Community Switch aims to help residents cut their energy bills by bulk buying both electric and gas. More than 50 councils across the country are participating in the Big Community Switch, with the scheme being run by the councils’ switching partner, iChoosr. iChoosr negotiates with participating energy suppliers to ensure thebest price is offered and also ensures the actual switch-over of suppliers is as smooth as possible for residents.

All people need to do is register online giving their current tariff and energy usage. Energy companies then bid to provide energy and residents will receive a personalised offer comparing their current tariff with the new offer. People can then decide whether they wish to accept or decline the offer

Councillor Sandy Martin, Ipswich Borough Council’s Fairer and Greener Ipswich Portfolio-holder, said: “Gas and electricity prices are crippling households – and keep going up. Yet very many of us have never got round to switching to a cheaper tariff. We are runningthis scheme in partnership with the other councils in Suffolk to give Ipswich residents the chance of the best possible deal in the easiest possible way.Anyone can sign up – it’s free and there’s no obligation to switch if you don’t want to. The more residents that do sign up, the more bargaining power we will have, and the better the deal you can get.”

The Big Community Switch is free to register and is open until 8th April 2013.

To find out more about the scheme visit www.greensuffolk.org/bigcommunityswitch

Winter - are you prepared?

Emma Dixon — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 06:00:00 +0000

For essential information about staying safe this winter including help with staying warm, road gritting, school closure updates and being a good neighbour.

Visit Suffolk County Councils website to find out how you can stay safe and warm with the freezing weather.

Did you know there is a Warmer Homes Healthy People fund,which is designed to support those most in need of additional help through the winter months? A special telephone line, 08456 037 686, has been set up to deal with enquiries and can offer:

Free information, advice and support to anyone struggling to keep warm this winter
Installation of free community alarms fitted with extreme temperature sensors in vulnerable people's homes, along with a befriending service
Free temporary heater loan scheme
Free emergency boiler repairs for vulnerable households through the Age UK 'Surviving Winter' Appeal and funding through the Warm Homes project. Groups to benefit will include the over 60s, families on a low income, families with children and young people with learning disabilities
Help with insulation and small energy efficiency improvement jobs including draught proofing
Free independent energy surveys in the home to help households struggling to pay their energy bills by offering advice and providing help to install measures to save money and energy
Roadshows to promote their good neighbour and community oil buying schemes.

Save up to £2700 by commuting by train!

Chris Ward — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:47:33 +0000

Did you know you could save up to £2700 by switching your daily commute from using the car on your own to using the train?

The updated Journey Planning page now shows some of the weekly, monthly and annual savings that you can make by commuting to work by train as well as other forms of sustainable transport.

To see the savings you can make from commuting to, or from Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds click here

AONBs provide funding for local sustainability projects

Emma Dixon — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 11:49:47 +0000

Do you have an idea for a project that improves the social, economic or environmental sustainability of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths or Dedham Vale Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)? If so, our various environmental and sustainable development funds may be able to provide you with financial support.

We’re looking for projects that help the local economy, develop community infrastructure, support biodiversity or help conserve or enhance the AONBs in some way. You could be providing environmental education, supporting local producers or reducing carbon emissions in communities. Whatever the project, if it’s local and sustainability-focused then we want to hear from you!

There are many grant options available to you, depending on the amount of funding required, where the project is located, and the type of project you wish to undertake. For more information on the different funds available from the two AONBs and the grants they provide, please view the Grants & Funding pages of the AONB websites listed below.

Between them the AONBs have over £100,000 to distribute to a number of environmental projects across Suffolk and north Essex. Last year the AONBs awarded £184,935 to 44 projects including a short animated film made by school children to raise awareness of the environment by Fran Crowe & Partners, and the Suffolk Prambling project, producing walking guides for pram-using parents with young children. Other projects ranged from practical habitat work and footpath improvements, to instigating waste and energy-saving initiatives.

Cllr Nigel Chapman, Chairman of the Dedham Vale AONB Joint Advisory Committee said “The funding that the AONB provides is a real opportunity for innovative local projects attempting to make a difference to their local environments and communities.”

Cllr David Wood, Chairman of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB added “our funding has been able to support a wide range of extremely worthwhile projects. We hope that this coming year will be no different, and encourage anybody with an idea for a project to get in touch with us and submit an application”

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 27th March 2013, and projects will have until March 2014 to be completed. For more information or to submit an application, please go to www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org or www.dedhamvalestourvalley.org.

Green Suffolk Walking Festival

Emma Dixon — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:31:33 +0000

The 2013 Suffolk Walking Festival steps off at National Trust Ickworth House on Saturday 11th May.

This year's event is bigger and better than ever with over 50 walks across the county. Join us and follow Trails by The Riverbank, explore a Textile Walk through fields of Flax, and be amazed on an Awesome Tree Walk.

This year also see a Challenge Walk; 5 days following the Suffolk Coast Path from Felixstowe to Lowestoft. You can join for any day you like, but there will prizes for anyone who completes the full challenge!

Or sign up for the Charity Walk. In aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care, this will be a guided walk along the beautiful Lark Valley. The route covers 14 miles between West Stow Country Park and Bury St Edmunds with an appetising cream tea waiting for you at the end!

For more details about the 2013 Suffolk Walking Festival, including walk descriptions and on-line booking, simply visit www.discoversuffolk.org.uk.