suffolk’s nature strategy · 2018-03-19 · suffolk’s nature strategy 3 i am delighted to have...

SUFFOLK’SNATURESTRATEGY

CONTENTS Foreword 3

Executive summary 4Wild Suffolk 4A 2020 vision for Suffolk’s natural environment 4The Strategy 5Who we are 6The recommendations & actions 8

SECTION 1Our natural environment priorities 13

Protected wildlife sites 14Protected landscapes 15Priority habitats & species 16Urban green spaces 17Agri-environment 18Woodlands & forestry 19Suffolk’s changing climate 20Marine 21

SECTION 2 A foundation for economic growth 23

Natural capital 24Inward investment 24Energy infrastructure 25Tourism 26Food, drink & agriculture 27Water management & water resources 28Biodiversity offsetting 29

SECTION 3 Our health & wellbeing 31

Health & wellbeing 32Environmental education 33Volunteering 34Neighbourhood & Parish Plans 35Coastal communities & partnerships 36Public access 37

References 39

3SUFFOLK’S NATURE STRATEGY

I am delighted to have the opportunity to provide this forewordon behalf of Councillor Rebecca Hopfensperger and myself.

Suffolk’s natural environment is undoubtedly one of Suffolk’skey strengths. It is one of the golden threads holding togetherwhat makes this county great. People who live and work hereoften say how much they value its beauty, whether it is ourcoast, our wild heathland and forests in both east and west, ourriver valleys and estuaries, or the deeply rural nature of ouragricultural landscapes. It is a truly wonderful county to live in.

But we must not overlook the importance of Suffolk’slandscapes and wildlife to our society. The ‘natural capital’ ofSuffolk is the foundation of many businesses, particularly in thetourism and farming sectors, and it is strongly associated withphysical and mental wellbeing. Leaders of public, private andvoluntary sector organisations, the primary audience for thisstrategy, will read many examples of this throughout thisdocument.

Delivering the recommendations and actions in this strategywill not be without its challenges. There will inevitably bedifficult decisions to make and tough choices always requiretough trade-offs. Councillor Hopfensperger and I applaud thepartnership working that is behind this strategy and would liketo thank those organisations who have worked so closely inputting this document together. We happily commend Suffolk’sNature Strategy and its vision for our natural environment toyou all. Conserving and enhancing our natural environment is inall our interests and this document shows it is much more thana ‘nice-to-do’. The leadership and collaboration shown by thedrafting of this document is an important step in thatendeavour and we must all now show leadership and worktogether to deliver its vision. We both look forward to seeingand hearing about the progress achieved in delivering therecommendations and actions put forward here.

FOREWORD BYMARK BEELEADER OF SUFFOLKCOUNTY COUNCIL

Councillor Mark BeeLeader, Suffolk CountyCouncil

Councillor RebeccaHopfensperger Cabinet Member forLocalities & EnvironmentSuffolk County Council

4 SUFFOLK’S NATURE STRATEGY

EXECUTIVESUMMARY

WILD SUFFOLKSuffolk is a beautiful county. Our natural environment is importantin its own right, but the quality of life it provides is also muchtreasured by people who visit, live and work here. Whether it iswildlife-rich woods and meadows, wild and windswept heaths andestuaries or our stunning coastline, our environment has it all.Indeed, over 36% of the county is either nationally or locallyprotected for its wildlife or landscape value.

The natural environment of the county is one of its key strengths,providing us with enviable natural capital1 on which to improvehealth and wellbeing and to grow our economy. Whether a tourismbusiness, a farmer growing crops, a Suffolk brewer or aninternational port, the environment is central to our economicgrowth and should be considered part of Suffolk’s business capital.

Access to, and enjoyment of the countryside, is equally important.Physical and mental wellbeing, known to be associated with anaccessible and attractive natural environment, are a benefit tobusiness, innovation and entrepreneurship and reduce pressureson social care and health services. We also know that the quality oflife here encourages inward investment.

A 2020 vision for suffolk’s nAturAl environmentWorking together as individuals, communities, businesses anddecision-makers, we will ensure Suffolk’s natural environment isconserved and enhanced for future generations and continues tobe seen as one of the county’s key strengths. Its intrinsic value, aswell as its importance to our economic growth, is increasinglyunderstood, whilst the people of Suffolk and our visitors are able togain better access to enhanced enjoyment and a deeperunderstanding of its unique qualities. We will continue to add to our knowledge of Suffolk’s wildlife and landscapes and to collecthigh-quality information.

THE STRATEGYSuffolk’s Nature Strategy describes the challenges andopportunities our natural environment faces. Its purpose is toarticulate what we believe are the key natural environmentpriorities for the county and to convey to decision-makers how thewildlife and landscapes of Suffolk are important building blocks for our own economic growth and health and wellbeing. Therecommendations and actions we propose within this documentare both forward-looking and challenging. Their delivery willenhance the environment of Suffolk itself, as well as our ability toderive both economic and social benefits from it. Once you haveread this document we hope that your understanding of theimportance of the natural environment goes far beyond its beauty.

It is aimed particularly at the leaders of public, private andvoluntary sector organisations, but we hope it will also be ofinterest to anyone who cares about Suffolk’s natural environmentand the role it plays in our prosperity and wellbeing. Themessages are equally relevant to businesses, health professionalsand community representatives. Whilst conservation of Suffolk’senvironment is of particular interest to us, everyone has aresponsibility to look after it, and of course, many already do. It isin all our interests; it should be the business of us all!

The strategy is set out in three broad sections: naturalenvironment, economic growth and health and wellbeing eachcontaining a number of sub-sections for issues of particularimportance to the delivery of our vision.

Suffolk’s Nature Strategy is written in the context of Wild Anglia’smanifesto2 (the Local Nature Partnership (LNP) across Norfolk &Suffolk). All the organisations involved in drafting this strategy areclosely involved with the LNP and this strategy will contribute toWild Anglia’s vision across Norfolk & Suffolk.


WHO WE AREMany people have contributed to this strategy and commentedon the various drafts, and we hope many more will support it. Ithas been put together primarily by the following organisations:Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, the RSPB and theNational Trust, and advised by Natural England, the EnvironmentAgency and the Forestry Commission. We are all involved inleading and advising on wildlife and landscape conservation in thecounty. Together, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, the National Trust andRSPB have over 120,000 members in Suffolk.

It is our business to champion the conservation of Suffolk’slandscapes and wildlife on a daily basis, and this strategy is notintended to recite our ongoing work. The actions andrecommendations are forward-looking and most set out newchallenges and opportunities for both us and others to achieve,that will enable us all to benefit from and conserve the naturalenvironment. We will support, champion, influence andencourage the delivery of the actions and recommendationsherein, and we hope they will empower organisations, individualsand leaders to make the nature and wildlife of Suffolk part of theirdaily business too.

If you have any comments on this document we would be happy tohear from you. In the first instance please contact Nick Collinson,Natural Environment Manager at Suffolk County [email protected]


SECTION 1OUR NATURALENVIRONMENTPRIORITIES

SECTION 2A fOUNdATIONfOR ECONOMICGROWTH

SECTION 3OUR HEALTH &WELLBEING


THE RECOMMENDATIONS & ACTIONSAcross the three sections: natural environment, economic growth and health andwellbeing and the sub-sections in each, we have set out a series of actions andrecommendations. These are both forward-looking and challenging.

Recommendations are set out as challenges for others to deliver. They are aimedat leaders in a range of sectors including businesses, health and education. We willgive our full support as others take up the challenges we have set.

Actions are challenges we have set ourselves. They are mostly new areas of workthat we believe we need to deliver in parallel with the recommendations deliveredby others.

There is more information and context on all of these within the document.

RECOMMENdATIONS

ACTIONS


Protected wildlifesites

Action 1: We will work towards all protected sites in ourownership or management being positively managed and infavourable condition for the wildlife they support.

Protectedlandscapes

Action 2: We will work with others to develop new andexisting partnerships to deliver landscape scaleconservation.

Priority habitats &species

Recommendation 4: Enforcement agencies should takeappropriate action against perpetrators of crimes againstwildlife.

Urban green space Recommendation 5: In line with the National PlanningPolicy Framework, developers should include designelements that protect and enhance wildlife within newdevelopments. Plans should complement and enhancewider ecological networks, such as actively supporting themanagement and design of existing and new green spaces.

Recommendation 6: Public authorities should proactivelyengage with environmental organisations, voluntary groups,developers, businesses and Parish Councils with regards tosupporting and delivering wildlife-friendly and sustainableopen space management. Further Local Nature Reservesshould be designated, in both urban and rural areas, asappropriate.

Recommendation 7: We wish to see the contribution fromagri-environment schemes maximised towards the multiplebenefits of ecological restoration at a landscape scale, tohalt further degradation of our wildlife and landscapes as setout in Biodiversity 2020, Outcome 1.

Agri-environment Action 3: We will engage with farmers across Suffolk topromote wildlife-friendly farming within profitable, modern,farming businesses. We will work collaboratively to makeeffective use of available funds outside areas specificallyprotected for wildlife.

Recommendation 8: New woodland planting should be ofthe right trees in the right places, particularly where theycan buffer and expand designated sites, enhance landscapecharacter or improve the extent of natural green space closeto where people live.

Woodland &forestry

Action 4: We will support the Forestry Commission as itreviews and implements forest design plans in Suffolk, indeveloping opportunities to enhance wildlife and landscape,and through the restoration of open ground habitats in ourpublic forest estate, targeted to meet biodiversity objectives.

Recommendation 9: By 2020 at least 50% of Suffolk’swoodland SSSIs will be in favourable condition, whilstmaintaining at least 95% in favourable or recoveringcondition. This can be achieved by making strong linksbetween new woodfuel and timber economies, improvingaccess and by appropriate control of deer.

Action 5: We will work towards Suffolk’s woodlands,particularly SSSI and CWS woodlands, being brought backinto positive management to improve their condition forwildlife and people.

Recommendation 10: As a contribution to Biodiversity2020, Outcome 1, and also the New Anglia Local EnterprisePartnership’s objective for wild spaces, a further 500hectares of priority habitat should be created in Suffolk by2020 within natural environment priority areas (Map 1).

Suffolk’s changingclimate

Action 6: We will work with planning authorities,developers, landowners and communities to support thedevelopment of ecological networks across Suffolk as setout in the National Planning Policy Framework.Communities developing neighbourhood plans and thosewho own or manage land, particularly those in agri-environment schemes, will play an important role.

Recommendation 11: Marine Conservation Zones should beconsidered for designation in Suffolk when qualifying datahas been assessed.

Marine

Recommendation 12: The implementation of the East AreaMarine Plan must take a balanced approach to the use of ourseas, particularly in terms of our marine environment andseascapes.

ACTION

Recommendation 3: In line with Biodiversity 2020,Outcomes 1 & 3, we wish to see an overall improvement inthe status of our wildlife and for further degradation to havebeen halted. Public bodies and statutory undertakers shouldensure that, in exercising their functions, they have accessand pay due regard to appropriate ecological evidence andadvice so as to ensure that their duties under the relevantlegislation are met.

Recommendation 2: The active partnerships in our protectedlandscapes should seek to ensure these areas are exemplarsof landscape scale conservation. Where development isproposed in these areas, such as Sizewell C in the SuffolkCoast & Heaths AONB, they should work to ensure they areof the highest quality as ‘environmental exemplars’.

Recommendation 1: In line with Government’s Biodiversity2020 strategy vision, Outcome 1, by 2020 at least 50% ofSuffolk’s SSSIs will be in favourable condition, whilstmaintaining at least 95% in favourable or recoveringcondition.

RECOMMENdATION

SECTION 1OUR NATURALENVIRONMENTPRIORITIES


Natural capital

RECOMMENdATION

Action 7: We will work with partners to produce an evidencebase for the economic and social value of Suffolk’s naturalcapital by 2016. Such information will support local decision-making.

Inward investment Action 8: We will support public and private sector leaders inproducing strategic approaches within Suffolk that supportthe maintenance and development of Suffolk’s naturalcapital.

Energyinfrastructure

Tourism Recommendation 16: Tourism leaders, such as Visit Suffolkand Destination Management Organisations (DMOs), andbusinesses, should promote the quality of our naturalenvironment to potential visitors and play a key role in itsconservation and enhancement.

Recommendation 17: Tourism leaders and tourismbusinesses, should be at the forefront of sustainable tourisminitiatives to ensure they are enhancing the area’s natural‘tourism’ capital. By 2020, 100 tourism businesses operatingin natural environment priority areas (Map 1), will bemeasurably contributing to protecting the naturalenvironment of these areas.

Recommendation 18: Suffolk’s food and drink sector has animportant role to play in promoting the conservation of ournatural environment. By 2020 a Suffolk brand will have beendeveloped and linked to conservation of the naturalenvironment. This will help the sector to market strongcredentials for environmental conservation.

Food, drink &agriculture

Action 9: We will engage with farmers across Suffolk topromote wildlife-friendly farming within profitable,modern, farming businesses.

Recommendation 19: Water companies working withpartners, should be at the forefront of developing newinnovative and nature-friendly systems for the capture,storage and conservation of water, together with changingconsumer behaviours.

Watermanagement &water resources

Action 10: We will support, and where possible champion,improvements to the ecological and hydrological conditionof water courses, through implementation of measures,appropriate to place, to meet the requirements of the WaterFramework Directive.

Recommendation 20: Where possible, Sustainable Urbanand Rural Drainage schemes (SuDS) should be designed tomaximise wildlife and landscape potential.

Action 11: We will support steps to develop partnershipsolutions to the management of water which look at moreholistic management of water (economic, social andenvironmental) in the water cycle and at a catchment scale.

Recommendation 22: Biodiversity offsetting must followGovernment guidelines and the mitigation hierarchy, set outin the National Planning Policy Framework. Offsettingshould only occur when all steps to avoid and mitigateimpacts have been exhausted and should not be seen as alicence to damage sites where less damaging alternativesexist. Offsetting should not apply to internationally ornationally designated sites.

Biodiversityoffsetting

ACTION

Recommendation 15: New energy infrastructure should besensitive to place. Relevant policies as well as national andlocal guidance, appropriate biological data and Suffolk’sLandscape Character Assessment should be used to assesssuitability of new energy infrastructures, and otherdevelopments, to particular places. A Strategic RenewableEnergy Strategy, produced by 2018, will help ensure that allnew energy infrastructures are appropriately sited.

Recommendation 14: The quality of Suffolk’s naturalenvironment is one of our key strengths. The advantage itoffers in terms of our competiveness should continue to be astrong feature of inward investment plans for the area.

Recommendation 13: Given the importance of our naturalcapital to growth, by 2018, we would expect to see publicand private sector decision-makers increasingly reflect itsvalue in all future growth plans for the area.

Recommendation 21: All water courses should either be inGood Ecological Status or have Good Ecological Potential by2027, or have measures in place to meet full compliance.

SECTION 2A fOUNdATIONfOR ECONOMICGROWTH


Health & wellbeing

RECOMMENdATION

Action 12: We will work with Suffolk’s Health and WellbeingBoard through their strategy and action plan to make thenatural capital that Suffolk has to offer part of Suffolk’shealth and wellbeing solution.

Environmentaleducation

Action 13: We will develop the Suffolk EnvironmentalEducation Network’s (SEEN’s) role as the champion ofenvironmental learning in Suffolk, making links with schools,academies and community groups, to ensure naturalenvironment opportunities are embedded in learninginitiatives aimed at young people.

Volunteering Action 14: We will increase opportunities and levels of ourown volunteering for individuals and for businesses. By2020, volunteer numbers will have increased by 50% on2014 levels and the number of places where naturalenvironment people engagement opportunities exists(Map 5) will have increased by 25%.

Neighbourhood &parish plans

Recommendation 26: By 2018, all NeighbourhoodDevelopment Plans and Parish Plans should ensure thenatural environment is fully considered. They shouldmaximise opportunities to conserve, enhance and linkSuffolk’s green and natural spaces. We will support thedevelopment and implementation of these plans.

Recommendation 27: Coastal partnerships should identifyopportunities to conserve and enhance the naturalenvironment as part of their work. The adoption of theecosystem approach to realise multi-benefit opportunitiessuch as salt-marsh restoration that can improve flooddefences for communities as well as benefit wildlife andimprove public access, should be the norm. Appropriately-sited managed realignment projects can provide significantenvironmental opportunities.

Coastalcommunities &partnerships

Recommendation 28: Suffolk County Council should seekopportunities to improve the connectivity of the publicaccess network and the development and improvement ofthe public rights of way network.

Public access Action 15: We will work in partnership to ensure physicalaccess improvements go hand-in-hand with wildlifesensitivity and quality interpretation, to enable people toaccess and understand our natural environment.

ACTION

Recommendation 25: By 2020 all of Suffolk’s schoolchildren will have had an opportunity to participate in aSEEN partner activity.

Recommendation 24: Education leaders, with our support,should ensure that, by 2018, all strategies and plans reflectand include the opportunities that our natural environmentand countryside present to learning in Suffolk.

Recommendation 23: The benefits of people being able toenjoy our natural environment should be embedded inSuffolk’s health and wellbeing agenda by 2016. Communityleaders and senior public health officials should championthe role the environment can play in prevention, cure andrecovery. We would like to see a significant increase in GPsuse of ‘green care’ referrals, such as Health Walks or CareFarms.

There is more information and context on all of theserecommendations and actions within the document.

SECTION 3OUR HEALTH &WELLBEING



In 2013, when Wild Anglia launched itsmanifesto, I said that I am convinced westill have the opportunity to getsustainable development right. Wild

Anglia's manifesto threw down the challenge that wemust think differently about nature. It is now plain tosee that enhancing nature enhances the economy.When nature is truly recognised as an essentialfoundation of a prosperous economy and healthysociety, it will naturally receive investment and will bea legacy for future generations.

But we are not yet in that enlightened place; we arelosing this precious asset and we must commit toinvesting in Suffolk’s nature to maintain its AAA rating.Now is the time for each of us to think differentlyabout nature and to challenge our leaders andorganisations to work in a different and trulycollaborative way. The Suffolk Nature Strategy placesSuffolk's nature in context – I encourage you to use itand make something different happen today.

Richard Powell OBEChairman of Wild Anglia LocalNature Partnership

Map 1: This map identifiesareas of principalimportance for landscape-scale conservation inSuffolk. Other parts of thecounty are also ofimportance and arehighlighted later in thestrategy

OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT PRIORITIES

SECTION 1

Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB

Dedham Vale AONB

Norfolk & Suffolk Broads

Brecks SPA

Suffolk river valleys

Estuaries & coastal strip

Marine

South Suffolk ancient woodland clusters

Thetford

Mildenhall

NewmarketBury St Edmunds

Haverhill

Stowmarket

Debenham

HadleighIpswich

Sudbury

Felixstowe

Woodbridge

Wickham Market

FramlinghamSaxmundham

HalesworthSouthwold

Eye

Diss

Lowestoft

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Aldeburgh

PROTEcTEd wiLdLiFE SiTESThe quality of the natural environment in Suffolk is reflected by the area of landprotected for wildlife. Many of Suffolk’s nationally designated wildlife sites aredesignated for their European and International importance (SPA/SAC) and 8% ofthe county is nationally protected as Sites of Special Scientific Interest3 (SSSI) dueto the importance of the species and habitats found here. A further 5% of thecounty is locally designated as County Wildlife Sites4 (CWS). Without these sites,much of Suffolk’s wildlife would have been lost or severely depleted.

Protected sites have a vital role to play as the focal points of landscape-scaleconservation from which species can move into, and across, the wider landscape.These ecological networks5 will help wildlife to respond to environmental changeacross Suffolk and beyond, but only if there are appropriate sites of good enoughquality to move to.

Protected sites are not only hotspots for biodiversity providing crucial homesfor wildlife; they also provide a range of important ecosystem services6 on whichwe all depend. Wetland sites, for example, can improve water quality and play a keyrole in reducing flood risk; indeed the water-quality benefits of inland wetlands arevalued as high as £1,500 million/yr7. While all land provides a range of services tosociety, the extra role that protected sites play as the crown jewels of our county’swildlife should not be understated. It is in all our interests that sites that areimportant for wildlife continue to be protected and managed sensitively.

RSPB Minsmere nature reserve

In line with Government’sBiodiversity 2020 strategyvision, Outcome 18, by 2020at least 50% of Suffolk’sSSSIs will be in favourablecondition, whilstmaintaining at least 95% infavourable or recoveringcondition.

RECOMMENDATION 1

We will work towards allprotected sites in ourownership or managementbeing positively managedand in favourable conditionfor the wildlife theysupport.

ACTION 1

Map 2: Local, national and European designated wildlife sites

Wetland sites canimprove water qualityand play a key role inreducing flood risk

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SPA/SAC

SSSI

CWS


Special landscape areas

Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB

Dedham Vale AONB

Norfolk & Suffolk Broads

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Flatford in theDedham Vale AONB

Map 3: Suffolk’slocal and nationallandscapedesignations

PROTEcTEd LANdScAPES Dedham Vale and Suffolk Coast & Heaths Areas ofOutstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and the Norfolk &Suffolk Broads, are places in which the quality of landscapeis formally recognised and given special statutory status toconserve and enhance natural beauty, and in the case ofthe Broads, an additional duty to promote open-airrecreation. These special qualities are protected underlegislation and through planning policy. Together theycover 13% of Suffolk. Locally designated Special LandscapeAreas cover a further 22% of the county.

In Suffolk, the beautiful and distinctive landscapes of theBroads and the two AONBs are much treasured, playing acrucial role in attracting visitors to the county. They are alsopotential hot-beds of landscape-scale conservation activity.

The active partnerships inour protected landscapesshould seek to ensure theseareas are exemplars oflandscape scale conservation.Where development isproposed in these areas, suchas Sizewell C in the SuffolkCoast & Heaths AONB, theyshould work to ensure theyare of the highest quality as‘environmental exemplars’.

RECOMMENDATION 2

We will work with others todevelop new and existingpartnerships to deliverlandscape scale conservation.

ACTION 2

The landscapes ofthe Broads andthe two AONBsare much treasured,playing a crucialrole in attractingvisitors to thecounty ©

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SUFFOLK’S NATURE STRATEGY


PRiORiTY hAbiTATS & SPEciESAll public bodies have a statutory duty to have regard to the conservation ofbiodiversity, as set out in the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC)Act 2006. The Act also requires the publication of lists of living organisms and typesof habitat which in the Secretary of State’s opinion are of principal importance forthe purpose of conserving biodiversity. There are 262 priority species and 23 priorityhabitats in Suffolk.

Suffolk’s Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), which comprises our list of priorityspecies and habitats, is embedded in local planning policies. Impacts on legallyprotected species are a material consideration in the planning process whilstimpacts on priority species and habitats are also capable of being materialconsiderations. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) includes a range ofrequirements to conserve and enhance the natural environment as well as requiringlocal plans to promote the preservation, restoration and re-creation of priorityhabitats, ecological networks and the protection and recovery of priority speciespopulations. It is essential that decision makers have access to high qualityecological advice in order to meet these requirements.

There are also a number of protected species in Suffolk with legislation, such asthe Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981), in place to prevent deliberate or recklesspersecution. Wildlife crime is defined as any action which contravenes currentlegislation governing the protection of the UK’s wild animals and plants9. CurrentUK priorities include badger, bat and raptor persecution, as well as poaching.

In line with Biodiversity2020, Outcomes 1 & 310, wewish to see an overallimprovement in the statusof our wildlife and forfurther degradation to havebeen halted. Public bodiesand statutory undertakersshould ensure that, inexercising their functions,they have access and paydue regard to appropriateecological evidence andadvice so as to ensure thattheir duties under therelevant legislation are met.

RECOMMENDATION 3

Enforcement agenciesshould take appropriateaction against perpetratorsof crimes against wildlife.

RECOMMENDATION 4

It is essential thatdecision makers haveaccess to high qualityecological advicein order to meet theserequirements

Suffolk’s BiodiversityAction Plan (BAP),which comprises our listof priority species andhabitats, is embedded inlocal planning policies

Barn owl (above)and water vole(left) are bothBAP species

Adequate access to greenspace can lead toreductions in sedentarybehaviour, providing £2 billion/yr savingsto treatment of coronaryheart disease, colo-rectalcancer and stroke

In line with the NationalPlanning Policy Framework,developers should includedesign elements thatprotect and enhancewildlife within newdevelopments. Plans shouldcomplement and enhancewider ecological networks,such as actively supportingthe management anddesign of existing and newgreen spaces.

RECOMMENDATION 5

Public authorities shouldproactively engage withenvironmental organisations,voluntary groups, developers,businesses and ParishCouncils with regards tosupporting and deliveringwildlife-friendly andsustainable open spacemanagement. Further LocalNature Reserves should bedesignated, in both urbanand rural areas, as appropriate.

RECOMMENDATION 6Urban green spaces Those who live within 500 metres of accessible green spaceare 24% more likely to meet recommended levels ofphysical exercise11. Furthermore, Department of Healthand UK National Ecosystem Assessment12 figures suggestthat adequate access to greenspace can lead to reductionsin sedentary behaviour, providing £2 billion/yr savings totreatment of coronary heart disease, colo-rectal cancer andstroke. Evidence shows that urban green space canfacilitate social contact and give rise to strongneighbourhoods, important as we seek to combatloneliness, particularly in older age groups. Such a networkof accessible ‘natural’ green space would also support theenhancement of ecological networks, to allow wildlife tomove more easily across our landscapes.

Ipswich alone has 500 hectares13 of green space andwildlife habitats within the town. Across Suffolk urbangreen spaces are a vital asset for biodiversity as well ashuman health and wellbeing. Some species such as housesparrow and starling are increasingly reliant on urban greenspaces for their survival, and swifts need suitable spaces inbuildings to nest. Urban parks and gardens have thepotential to connect communities to local wildlife and canprovide numerous environmental, social and economicbenefits. Evidence in England shows that close proximity togreen space can add £2000 to the capital value of houses14,emphasising the economic and social benefits of suchamenities. There are 36 Local Nature Reserves15 (LNRs)across the county providing important green spaces forpeople to enjoy and relax in, homes for wildlife and theyalso help support ecological networks. Protecting theseplaces within our communities is vital for the wellbeing offuture generations.

As the pressures on wildlife continue to build in thewider countryside, urban areas are increasingly importantin providing nature a home. Gardens, for example, canprovide excellent habitat for wildlife, and simple measures,such as installing a pond, creating a log pile, planting wildflowers or leaving areas of lawn uncut can make a realdifference.

Green spaces in urban areas are also important for themanagement of water and flooding, providing areas wherewater can infiltrate into the ground.


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AGRi-ENviRONmENTAgri-environment schemes play an important role insupporting wildlife conservation and strengtheninglandscape character in Suffolk. They also provide a practicalmeans of supporting landowners to conserve and enhanceour natural capital, such as through supporting saltmarshcreation that improves coastal biodiversity and also helpsreduce flood risk. In 2012, 53.7%16 of Suffolk was covered byEnvironmental Stewardship, Environmentally SensitiveArea or Countryside Stewardship Schemes. Wildlifeconservation in the wider countryside, outside protectedsites, is a vital part of our conservation effort. For example,the central Suffolk claylands have one of the highestdensities of ponds in the UK; most of these ponds areoutside protected sites. They provide a stronghold forgreat-crested newt, a European protected species of whichthe UK has globally significant populations.

Farmers play a crucial role in Suffolk by shaping largeareas of our countryside, supporting the distinctive senseof place and other ecosystem services. For example, thefate of farmland birds in the county is almost entirely in thehands of our farmers and agriculture, and forestry can alsohave a significant influence on water quality within riversand estuaries. Farming is not just about food production,but also about delivering a broad range of public goodsfrom which we all benefit.

We wish to see thecontribution from agri-environment schemesmaximised towards themultiple benefits ofecological restoration at alandscape scale, to haltfurther degradation of ourwildlife and landscapes asset out in Biodiversity 2020,Outcome 117.

RECOMMENDATION 7

We will engage withfarmers across Suffolk topromote wildlife-friendlyfarming within profitable,modern, farmingbusinesses. We will workcollaboratively to makeeffective use of availablefunds outside areasspecifically protected forwildlife.

ACTION 3

Farmers play acrucial role in Suffolkby shaping large areasof our countryside

SUFFOLK’S NATURE STRATEGY


wOOdLANdS & FORESTRYSuffolk has over 35,000 ha of woodland which provides arange of benefits for wildlife, for resource protection suchas reducing soil erosion and flooding, as well as providing arange of economic and recreational benefits for people.The importance of woodlands and forestry to nature, oursociety and economy has recently been highlighted by areport18 published in 2012 by the Independent Panel onForestry, and the subsequent Government response, the‘Forestry and Woodland Policy Statement’19. GovernmentPolicy is also set out in Keepers of Time20 and the OpenHabitats Policy21. There is 9,709 ha of public forest estate inSuffolk however not all of that is plantation. Thetford,Rendlesham, Tunstall and Dunwich Forests make up mostof the public forest estate in Suffolk. The majority ofSuffolk’s woodland, some 19,500 ha, is broadleaved.

The improved management of woodlands in Suffolk(over 15,000 ha is under-managed22) should be deliveredwith a view to maximising benefits for the naturalenvironment as well as supporting social opportunities,such as improved public access and economic growth,through improved woodfuel and timber markets andcommercial recreation.

New woodland plantingshould be of the right treesin the right places,particularly where they canbuffer and expanddesignated sites, enhancelandscape character orimprove the extent ofnatural green space close towhere people live.

RECOMMENDATION 8

We will support the ForestryCommission, as it reviewsand implements forestdesign plans in Suffolk, indeveloping opportunities toenhance wildlife andlandscape, and through therestoration of open groundhabitats in our public forestestate, targeted to meetbiodiversity objectives.

ACTION 4

By 2020 at least 50% ofSuffolk’s woodland SSSIswill be in favourablecondition, whilst maintainingat least 95% in favourableor recovering condition.This can be achieved bymaking strong linksbetween new woodfuel andtimber economies,improving access and byappropriate control of deer.

RECOMMENDATION 9

We will work towardsSuffolk’s woodlands,particularly SSSI and CWSwoodlands, being broughtback into positivemanagement to improvetheir condition for wildlifeand people.

ACTION 5

Woodland provides benefits such asreducing soil erosion and flooding


SUFFOLK’S chANGiNG cLimATEWe support the ‘Creating the Greenest County’ ambition to work in partnership inSuffolk to reduce carbon emissions by 60% (on 2004 levels) by 202523 and tomitigate the local adverse effects of climate change. It is also important that weadapt now to inevitable change.

Suffolk will be subject to the consequences of changing climate over thecoming decades which will range from severe weather events, a drier climate in aplace already prone to water shortages, through to rising sea levels along a coastprone to erosion and flooding. It is important that EU designated sites lost on thecoast are compensated for at a rate that matches their loss.

Species and habitats will need to adapt and so the requirements of the naturalenvironment must be factored into climate change strategies, indeed somespecialist species may need a helping hand. Central to these will be thedevelopment of ecological networks across Suffolk and beyond, ensuring thatwildlife is not fixed and restricted to a series of unconnected wildlife sites. As suchthe conservation of protected sites together with targeted efforts across the widercountryside is vital. Where appropriate, woodland creation as ‘Carbon CodeForestry’, can help to enhance ecological networks as we address carbon emissionsthrough voluntary carbon sequestration projects within the county24.

As a contribution toBiodiversity 202025,

Outcome 1, and also theNew Anglia Local EnterprisePartnership’s objective forwild spaces26 a further 500hectares of priority habitatshould be created in Suffolkby 2020 within naturalenvironment priority areas(Map 1).

RECOMMENDATION 10

We will work with planningauthorities, developers,landowners andcommunities to support thedevelopment of ecologicalnetworks across Suffolk asset out in the NationalPlanning Policy Framework.Communities developingneighbourhood plans andthose who own or manageland, particularly those inagri-environment schemes,will play an important role.

ACTION 6

We support the Creatingthe Greenest Countyambition to work inpartnership in Suffolk toreduce carbonemissions by 60% by2025 and to mitigatethe local adverse effectsof climate change


mARiNESuffolk has long been shaped by the North Sea, bothphysically and culturally. Today, the ecologically rich anddiverse marine environment, particularly in our estuariesand inshore waters, contains wildlife of Europeanimportance27. The marine environment provides a wealth ofsocial, economic and environmental benefits, such asboating, wildlife watching, fisheries and trade.

Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) could be animportant addition to Suffolk’s designated marine sites andalso a means to protect our local ‘inshore’ fisheries. Themarine environment provides opportunities for economicgrowth as well as increased recreation. Marine plans musttake a balanced approach to the use of our seas, in thesame way that planning in the terrestrial environment isdesigned to ensure sustainable decision-making.

The marine environment provides awealth of social, economic andenvironmental benefits, suchas boating, wildlife watching,fisheries and trade

Marine Conservation Zonesshould be considered fordesignation in Suffolk whenqualifying data has beenassessed.

RECOMMENDATION 11

The implementation of theEast Area Marine Plan musttake a balanced approach tothe use of our seas,particularly in terms of ourmarine environment andseascapes.

RECOMMENDATION 12

Aldeburgh

The natural environment iscrucial to the quality of life inSuffolk, and part of thefoundation for our prosperity

and economy. Factors cited by companiesinvesting in Suffolk include the area’slandscapes, nature and quality of life. Thenatural environment underpins keysectors, such as tourism, agriculture, foodand drink, and supports the recruitment ofskilled staff by businesses.

Mark PendlingtonGroup Director of Corporate AffairsAnglian Water Group &Chairman of New Anglia LocalEnterprise Partnership

Map 4: Key growthlocations in Suffolk, takenfrom the Suffolk GrowthStrategy, where botheconomic growth andnatural environmentissues are important ©

Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey 100024495


A FOUNDATION FORECONOMIC GROWTH28

SECTION 2

Key growth locations

Major roads

Rail

London Road IndustrialEstate, Brandon

Kings Warren/Red Lodge

Shephers GroveIndustrial Area, Stanton

Suffolk Business Park,Bury St Edmunds

Stowmarket

Sizewell

Lowestoft & GreatYarmouth Enterprise Zone

Felixstowe Port

Greater IpswichHadleighSudbury

Haverhill ResearchBusiness Park

Newmarket


NATURAL CApITALNatural capital refers to the elements of nature thatproduce value (directly and indirectly) to people, such asthe stock of forests, rivers, land, minerals and oceans. Itincludes the living aspects of nature (such as fish stocks) aswell as the non-living aspects (such as minerals and energyresources). Natural capital underpins all other types ofcapital (man-made, human and social) and is one of theessential foundations on which our economy, society andprosperity is built. By combining different forms of capital,we are able to enjoy a huge variety of benefits. These rangefrom the food we eat and the water we drink to outdoorrecreation and improved health29.

By better understanding the value of our natural capitalwe will be better placed to ensure decisions do notinadvertently undermine it.

SWTBradfieldWoods

Pump StreetBakery in

Orford

INwARd INvESTmENTThe Suffolk and Norfolk Local Enterprise Partnership, NewAnglia, cites, amongst other things, the quality of life hereand our magnificent natural assets as key strengths for thearea in the competitive global market. Factors cited bycompanies in favour of investing in Suffolk and Norfolkinclude the area’s quality of life and its environment30.Furthermore in Suffolk’s Growth Strategy, the vision for2028, states that Suffolk’s beautiful landscapes and wildlifewill contribute to Suffolk being confirmed as having thebest quality of life in Europe31. Our natural environmentplays a huge part in the quality of life here and in ourexisting and future competitiveness. It is one of the reasonswhy businesses might choose to locate here and also helpssupport the recruitment of skilled staff.

The quality of Suffolk’snatural environment is oneof our key strengths. Theadvantage it offers in termsof our competiveness shouldcontinue to be a strongfeature of inward investmentplans for the area.

RECOMMENDATION 14

We will support public andprivate sector leaders inproducing strategicapproaches within Suffolkthat support themaintenance anddevelopment of Suffolk’snatural capital.

ACTION 8

Factors cited by companies in favour ofinvesting in Suffolk and Norfolkinclude the area’s quality of life andits environment

Natural capital refers to theelements of nature that producevalue to people, such as thestock of forests


Given the importance of ournatural capital to growth, by2018, we would expect tosee public and privatesector decision makersincreasingly reflect its valuein all future growth plans forthe area.

RECOMMENDATION 13

We will work with partners,to produce an evidencebase for the economic andsocial value of Suffolk’snatural capital by 2016.Such information willsupport local decision-making.

ACTION 7

ENERGY INFRASTRUCTUREThe low-carbon sector is growing rapidly around the worldand the Suffolk Growth Strategy identifies the renewableenergy sector as a key source of economic growth in thecounty in coming years. We recognise the current andfuture importance of renewable energy, both on and off-shore, and given its climate change mitigation rationale,this sector of energy generation should have strong linksand a strong sense of stewardship towards the naturalenvironment. This means that developers must ensure theybuild on Suffolk’s strengths rather than diminish them. Wecan support developers in planning appropriate design andlocation of energy infrastructures, to prevent conservationobjectives being compromised, with suitableenvironmental mitigation.

The use of biomass will be an important element of thatrenewable energy mix and the woodfuel market will beimportant to the rural economy.

New energy infrastructureshould be sensitive to place.Relevant policies as well asnational and local guidance,appropriate biologicaldata32 and Suffolk’sLandscape CharacterAssessment33 should beused to assess suitability ofnew energy infrastructures,and other developments, toparticular places. AStrategic Renewable EnergyStrategy, produced by 2018,will help ensure that all newenergy infrastructures areappropriately sited.

RECOMMENDATION 15

Suffolk Growth Strategy identifiesthe renewable energy sectoras a key source of economic growthin the county in coming years

Our naturalenvironment is acapital assetto Suffolk’stourismbusinesses

Tourism leaders andtourism businesses, shouldbe at the forefront ofsustainable tourisminitiatives to ensure they areenhancing the area’s natural‘tourism’ capital. By 2020,100 tourism businessesoperating in naturalenvironment priority areas(Map 1), will be measurablycontributing to protectingthe natural environment ofthese areas.

RECOMMENDATION 17

Tourism in Suffolk is foundedon the county’s specialqualities. The wildlife and

landscape here are an important part of ouroffer. As tourism businesses we shouldthink about the natural environment as partof our business capital in need ofmaintenance and investment, in just thesame way as our pier in Southwold and ourhotels are. At Gough Hotels we understandthat without a high quality naturalenvironment what we can offer Suffolk’svisitors is much diminished.

RECOMMENDATION 16

Tourism leaders, such asVisit Suffolk andDestination ManagementOrganisations, andbusinesses, should promotethe quality of our naturalenvironment to potentialvisitors and play a key rolein its conservation andenhancement.

Alex PaulDirector of Sales and MarketingGough Hotels and Director of theSuffolk Coast DestinationManagement Organisation

TOURISmGiven Suffolk’s stunning and distinctive naturalenvironment and its proximity to London and the Midlands,the county has long-been a popular tourist destination andtourism remains a major employer in the countycontributing over £1.75 billion annually to the localeconomy34. The natural environment of Suffolk plays a vitalrole in attracting visitors with an offer ranging fromnationally designated landscapes to locally sourced foodand drink.

Our natural environment is a capital asset to Suffolk’stourism businesses so the development of tourism needs tobe appropriate and sensitive to place. We support theincreasing popularity of eco-friendly holidays, as seen bythe recent Green Traveller guides to Suffolk Coast & Heathsand Dedham Vale AONBs. We also support emergingdestination management organisations (DMOs), such as onthe Suffolk Coast, which have the potential to minimise theimpacts of tourism as well as inform visitors about theimportance of the natural environment.

Aldeburgh


Food and drink production ishighly dependent on the quality ofthe natural environment

FOOd, dRINK & AGRICULTUREFood, drink and agriculture make an important economiccontribution to the county with agriculture employing over10,000 people, and food and drink processing employing afurther 9,00035. In particular, locally distinctive andenvironmentally sustainable sources of food and drink areimportant aspects of local branding here. The many localfood and drink festivals and farmers’ markets help peoplebetter understand the concept of ‘field to fork’ and thedeep cultural and landscape associations with food anddrink. Larger national and multi-national producers,processers and retailers based in Suffolk, have an importantcontribution to make as they source produce from acrossSuffolk and beyond.

Food and drink production is highly dependent on thequality of the natural environment. The natural capital ofcrop pollinating insects is worth £430 million to UKagriculture12.

Suffolk’s food and drinksector has an important roleto play in promoting theconservation of our naturalenvironment. By 2020, aSuffolk brand will have beendeveloped and linked toconservation of the naturalenvironment. This will helpthe sector to market strongcredentials for environmentalconservation.

RECOMMENDATION 18

We will engage withfarmers across Suffolk topromote wildlife-friendlyfarming within profitable,modern, farmingbusinesses.

ACTION 9



SWTOulton

Marshes

To achieve this ambitious WFD target and to maximiseecological status in our rivers and water bodies, we need towork together to address a range of water managementand water resource issues, including:

l Physical modification – many of our rivers have been widened, deepened and straightened in the past for land drainage and flood risk management purposes. They have also had structures such as locks, weirs and mills installed on them. This has resulted in us having simplified river habitats in Suffolk that do not support their ecological potential (diversity, number and movement of fish, plant and invertebrate species).

l Diffuse pollution, rural and urban – Suffolk rivers receivean excess of nutrient-rich sediment from a range of sources including road run-off and fields. Excess sedimentsmothers river beds, which is detrimental to fish and

invertebrates. Phosphorus from agricultural fertilisers binds to sediment and leads to excess plant growth anda reduction in the range of plant species present.

l Over abstraction – Suffolk’s Growth Strategy identifies water supply as critically important for growth. We live in one of the driest parts of the country with average rainfall on the coast similar to Jerusalem. Yet water is subject to increasing pressures, impacting both quality and quantity, from a wide variety of uses including domestic, agriculture and industry.

l Climate change – climate change experts predict that we will experience more hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters as our climate changes. Ripariantree planting and increasing river habitat diversity arevery effective climate change mitigation measures. Theyalso increase the biodiversity value of Suffolk’s rivers.

The value of green space thatallows water to infiltrateinto the underground aquiferscannot be underestimated

Water companies workingwith partners, should be atthe forefront of developingnew innovative and nature-friendly systems for thecapture, storage andconservation of water,together with changingconsumer behaviours.

RECOMMENDATION 19

Where possible, SustainableUrban and Rural Drainageschemes (SUDS) should bedesigned to maximisewildlife and landscapepotential.

RECOMMENDATION 20wATER mANAGEmENT &wATER RESOURCESWater is essential to life and one of the best examples ofnatural capital, whose value to society is almostimmeasurable. In the Anglian River Basin District only 18%of surface waters are at Good Ecological Status, as requiredby the Water Framework Directive36 (WFD). In Suffolk 9%of our rivers are at Good or High Ecological Status with 30%Poor or Bad. The WFD requires that all streams, rivers andestuaries are at Good Ecological Status by 2027. There arealso a large number of internationally important wetlandsand estuaries that need to be protected and enhanced.

It is estimated that currently one in five properties inSuffolk are at risk of flooding and increasingly this is fromsurface water run-off. Future development and climatechange will only exacerbate both the risk of flooding anddrought and this must be mitigated for by embracing acatchment management approach to water management.The value of green space, sustainable drainage basins andother vegetated areas that allow water to infiltrate into theunderground aquifers cannot be underestimated, both inreplenishing water resources and managing flood risk.

On the Suffolk coast as much water is pumped to sea inthe winter months to drain farmland and other areas, as isneeded to irrigate farmland on the sandy hinterland in thehottest and driest of summers. Again this supports theneed for embracing a catchment management approach towater management, as is currently being piloted on theDeben in East Suffolk.


Biodiversity offsetting mustfollow Governmentguidelines and themitigation hierarchy, set outin the National PlanningPolicy Framework.Offsetting should only occurwhen all steps to avoid andmitigate impacts have beenexhausted and should notbe seen as a licence todamage sites where lessdamaging alternatives exist.Offsetting should not applyto internationally ornationally designated sites.

RECOMMENDATION 22BIOdIvERSITY OFFSETTING We agree with the principle of biodiversity offsetting37 as ameans of ensuring that there is no net loss to theenvironment as a result of development, and that weenhance rather than diminish our natural capital. However,it is important to recognise the inherent difficulty ofrecreating habitats and species populations andestablishing acceptable locations for compensatoryhabitat. Therefore, whilst in some situations biodiversityoffsetting can offer an innovative means of reducingenvironmental loss, it does not offer a licence to removeany habitat for development in any location. In order forbiodiversity offsetting to be a success it must beundertaken with the close involvement of the relevantnature conservation bodies and must ultimately recognisethat some habitats are irreplaceable. Offsetting also needsto recognise the locational dependency of much ofSuffolk’s wildlife, for example, it is not possible to recreateheathland on the Suffolk claylands.

We will support, and wherepossible champion,improvements to theecological and hydrologicalcondition of water courses,through implementation ofmeasures, appropriate toplace, to meet therequirements of the WaterFramework Directive.

ACTION 10

We will support steps todevelop partnershipsolutions to themanagement of waterwhich look at more holisticmanagement of water(economic, social andenvironmental) in the watercycle and at a catchmentscale.

ACTION 11

The principle of biodiversity offsettingis a means of ensuring that there is nonet loss to the environment asa result of development

All water courses shouldeither be in Good EcologicalStatus or have GoodEcological Potential by2027, or have measures inplace to meet full compliance.

RECOMMENDATION 21

Silver-studded

blue


Evidence informs us just howvital access to green spaceand nature is for helping tomaintain and improve

people’s physical and mental wellbeing38,

and the rich assets in the Suffolkenvironment are a source of greatopportunity for people, whatever their ageor health status. Public Health Suffolk willwork with partners in the delivery of thisNature Strategy to improve access to thenatural environment and to promote thehealth and wellbeing opportunities itpresents to the people of Suffolk.

Tessa LindfieldDirector of Public Health

Map 5: Areas where localpeople and volunteers areactively involved inconserving the naturalenvironment in Suffolk

OUR HEALTH & WELLBEING

SECTION 3

Natural EnvironmentCommunity Projects

Volunteering hotspots

Beach Watch

Greenways Project Area

Thetford

Mildenhall

NewmarketBury St Edmunds

Haverhill

Stowmarket

Debenham

HadleighIpswich

Sudbury

Felixstowe

Woodbridge

Wickham Market

Framlingham Saxmundham

Orford

Aldeburgh

HalesworthSouthwold

Eye

Diss

Lowestoft

©Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey 100024495


HEALTH & wELLBEINGAccess to the natural environment improves mental andphysical health and wellbeing, prevents disease and helpspeople recover from illness. Being active in the naturalenvironment makes people feel good, helps them to livelonger and connects them to their local area. There is now alarge body of evidence to support these claims summarisedin the UK National Ecosystem Assessment’s chapter onHealth Values from Ecosystems39. We want more people toexperience the county’s natural environment, to have funand get active.

Today, almost half of adults in Suffolk are physicallyinactive40 and the health cost of physical inactivity inSuffolk is estimated at £14 million per year41. There is also awealth of evidence showing the beneficial effects thatcontact with nature can have on health and wellbeing,whether this is post-operative recovery times, increasedlongevity or reduced stress42.

The natural environment offers places for people tounwind, exercise and forge life-long memories. There aremany volunteering opportunities in managing these placesas well as a variety of ways to explore and appreciate them.Nature can be accessed free of charge and can benefit alllevels of society. From deep Suffolk countryside to oururban parks and gardens, the natural world is a key part ofmaking Suffolk a healthier place.

Green space can help to reduce health inequalities. Arecent large-scale study in the UK of 336,348 patient recordsshowed significantly less health inequality between richand poor groups in areas with higher levels of green spacethan between similar groups in areas with less green space44.

The benefits of peoplebeing able to enjoy ournatural environment shouldbe embedded in Suffolk’shealth and wellbeingagenda by 2016.Community leaders andsenior public health officialsshould champion the rolethe environment can play inprevention, cure andrecovery. We would like tosee a significant increase inGPs use of ‘green care’referrals, such as HealthWalks45 or Care Farms46.

RECOMMENDATION 23

We will work with Suffolk’sHealth and Wellbeing Boardthrough their strategy andaction plan to make thenatural capital that Suffolkhas to offer part of Suffolk’shealth and wellbeing solution.

ACTION 12

Fig 1: The health map. Theenvironment in which we live is amajor determinant of health andwellbeing43. The naturalenvironment is a key component

Being active in the naturalenvironmentmakes people feelgood, helps themto live longer andconnects themto their local area


ENvIRONmENTAL EdUCATIONFirst described in 1995 by fisheries biologist Daniel Paulyand now widely accepted, ‘Shifting Baseline Syndrome’describes how those who saw an ecosystem 50 years ago,see normality very differently to those who see that sameecosystem now, given the loss of biodiversity in theintervening period. Our children’s concept of what isnormal in the natural world is different from their parents’and grandparents, and hence biodiversity decline becomesgenerationally accepted as a perceived norm. Thisgenerational amnesia is increasingly seen as an explanationfor the changing understanding and engagement ofmodern society with the environment.

In order to secure the future of the natural environmentwe must instil an understanding and appreciation of itamongst future generations. We want to help peopleunderstand how the county’s natural environment benefitstheir lives. We recognise the significance of ourenvironmental education centres and visitor centres as wellas more common on-site interpretation. All have animportant role in disseminating information to people of allages.

The natural environment has a part to play in Raisingthe Bar47 which seeks to raise attainment and aspirations inchildren and young people in Suffolk. Wildlife Watch48,Living Classrooms49 and general learning about thecountryside, its natural processes and our use of it, all lendthemselves well to curriculum-based learning.

Networks of environmental educators are also valuableas we can achieve more by working in partnership. SEEN,the Suffolk Environmental Education Network50, has a keyrole to play, as do parents and schools alike. Through SEENwe will continue to make the natural world relevant to thenational curriculum and life-long learning.

Education leaders, with oursupport, should ensure that,by 2018, all strategies andplans reflect and include theopportunities that ournatural environment andcountryside present tolearning in Suffolk.

RECOMMENDATION 24

By 2020, all of Suffolk’sschool-children will havehad an opportunity toparticipate in a SEENpartner activity.

RECOMMENDATION 25

We will develop the SuffolkEnvironmental EducationNetwork’s (SEEN’s), role asthe champion ofenvironmental learning inSuffolk, making links withschools, academies andcommunity groups, toensure natural environmentopportunities are embeddedin learning initiatives aimedat young people.

ACTION 13

To secure the futureof the naturalenvironment wemust instil anunderstandingand appreciation ofit amongst futuregenerations


vOLUNTEERINGEvidence shows that volunteering in the natural environment improves our mentaland physical health, whether it’s a vigorous session taking part in practicalconservation tasks, a beach clean-up on the Suffolk coast or undertaking a wildlifesurvey. The natural environment sector has always depended heavily on volunteersto support the work of employed staff. They are the back-bone of our sector andwithout their enthusiasm and time we would not have achieved a fraction of whathas been achieved to date. In many cases it has been voluntary local action that hasled to change, such as purchasing a nature reserve or saving an ancient woodlandfrom development.

There are numerous examples of volunteer networks in Suffolk, from thosewhose records have made our Biological Records Centre the envy of many othersnationally, to those who regularly help manage our nature reserves, parks and openspaces. There is personal reward from volunteering, be it a sense of ownership,pride, community, companionship and combating loneliness or simply a means ofgetting fit.

Local businesses and their staff can benefit considerably from the team-building opportunities that volunteering can bring. Working on nature conservationprojects can also considerably raise and improve their credibility to customers.

We will increaseopportunities and levels ofour own volunteering forindividuals and forbusinesses. By 2020,volunteer numbers will haveincreased by 50% on 2014levels and the number ofplaces where naturalenvironment peopleengagement opportunitiesexists (Map 5) will haveincreased by 25%.

ACTION 14

Volunteers are theback-bone of oursector and in manycases it has beenvoluntary localaction that hasled to change

NEIGHBOURHOOd & pARISHpLANSThe Localism Act 2011 provided greater power forcommunities to shape development in their areas. A keypart of this reform was the introduction of NeighbourhoodDevelopment Plans which are planning documentsproduced by local communities to set out a vision for theirarea and develop planning policies for the use anddevelopment of land. Once adopted these plans become apart of the Local Development Plan and as such becomepart of the statutory planning policy framework.

These new powers provide a significant opportunity forcommunities to recognise, protect and improve localenvironmental assets. There is great scope for benefittingthe environment, from designating green spaces toestablishing ‘green corridors’ by linking open spaces andimproving local watercourses. We will supportcommunities’ writing and implementing their plans andhelp describe the wider context as we seek to buildecological networks across Suffolk.

These new powers provide asignificant opportunity forcommunities to recognise,protect and improve localenvironmental assets

By 2018, all NeighbourhoodDevelopment Plans andParish Plans should ensurethe natural environment isfully considered. They shouldmaximise opportunities toconserve, enhance and linkSuffolk’s green and naturalspaces. We will support thedevelopment andimplementation of theseplans.

RECOMMENDATION 26

Lavenham


COASTAL COmmUNITIES &pARTNERSHIpSThe Suffolk coast has always been a dynamic environment;its soft coastline endlessly reshaped by the power of thesea. Coastal communities are increasingly aware of thereality of coastal change and the need to adapt. Projectsthat aim to help people understand the dynamic nature ofthe Suffolk coast are essential parts of the conversationabout coastal change.

Localism and the subject of coastal change, both interms of governance and physical change, has seen thedevelopment of a series of coastal partnerships,particularly on the Blyth, Alde-Ore, Deben and Stour &Orwell estuaries. These partnerships are innovative andmake a real difference to their local environment for peopleand for wildlife. Clearly the natural environment is integralto these partnerships and an understanding of how itsupports their wider objectives, such as the degree towhich saltmarsh acts as a natural flood defence, isessential. The natural capital of these areas is vast. Thevalue of coastal wetlands in protecting against stormsurges alone has been valued nationally at over £1.5 billionper year12. Evidence from the December 2013 tidal surgedemonstrated that in Suffolk’s estuaries, river wallsprotected by saltmarsh were much less likely to have beenbreached.

Coastal partnerships shouldidentify opportunities toconserve and enhance thenatural environment as partof their work. The adoptionof the ecosystem approachto realise multi-benefitopportunities such as salt-marsh restoration that canimprove flood defences forcommunities as well asbenefit wildlife and improvepublic access, should be thenorm. Appropriately-sitedmanaged realignmentprojects can providesignificant environmentalopportunities.

RECOMMENDATION 27

Coastal communitiesare increasinglyaware of the realityof coastalchange and theneed to adapt

Felixstowe Ferry


pUBLIC ACCESSPublic access to nature is a vital means of improving healthand wellbeing, as well as connecting and educating peopleabout the natural environment. Without access to thenatural environment, people will not value it nor will theybe able to gain from the wealth of benefits it can provide.

There are over 5,600 kilometres of public rights of wayin Suffolk providing one of the most dense networks ofaccess in England. Suffolk also enjoys a high number oflong distance routes, including sections of the Icknield Way,in west Suffolk, the oldest road in Britain. In addition, thereare 4,858 hectares of Open Access land providing the publicwith the opportunity and the right to roam in areas ofheathland habitat.

The rights of way network provides strategic linksbetween settlements and into the wider countryside. Itcaters for a range of local needs including daily dogwalking, sustainable commuting routes and promotedvillage walks. Parts of the network can also be tourismdestinations in their own right. The network offersopportunities to link places of historic interest, tourismattractions and businesses, to create a high quality tourismexperience for day-trip and overnight visitors to Suffolk.

We are in favour of increased, sensitive public access tothe countryside and other green spaces as a means ofachieving a wider social good. The appropriatedevelopment of countryside access through effectivevisitor management, information provision and heightenedawareness, can help conserve the environment and utiliseits natural capital. The development of countryside accesscan provide a relatively low-cost solution to enablingcommunities to access and enjoy Suffolk's naturalenvironment. This has a positive impact on the health andwellbeing of Suffolk's communities and can also be used asa catalyst to position and market Suffolk as a trulyaccessible county for all.

Suffolk County Councilshould seek opportunitiesto improve the connectivityof the public access networkand the development andimprovement of the publicrights of way network.

RECOMMENDATION 28

We will work in partnershipto ensure physical accessimprovements go hand-in-hand with wildlife sensitivityand quality interpretation,to enable people to accessand understand our naturalenvironment.

ACTION 15


No one will look after whatthey don’t care aboutNo one will care about whatthey have not experienced

Picture creditsFront cover: David Tipling, p2: Steve Ayward, p4 inset: Tom Marshall, p5: Steve Aylward, p6/p7: Steve Aylward, p8: DavidTipling, p10/p11: Steve Aylward, p12: Tom Marshall, p14: Alan Williams naturepl.com, p15: Suffolk County Council, p16 barnowl: Richard Bowler, p16 water vole: Tom Marshall, p17 Andy Hay RSPB Images, p18 farm machinery & p18 farmers: AndyHay RSPB Images, p19: Ross Dean, p20: Steve Aylward, p21: Erica Olsen FLPA, p22: Steve Aylward, p24: Bradfield Woods:Steve Aylward, p24 baker: Lydia Evans courtesy of Country Living, p25: Amy Lewis, p26: Suffolk County Counci, p27: SuffolkCounty Coucil, p28/p29: Matt Gooch, p29: Steve Aylward, p30: Paul Harris naturepl.com, p32: Andy Hay RSPB Images, p33:bluebell wood: Tom Marshall, p33 teaching: Nick Illot, p34 volunteers with barrow: Heather Patrick, p34 volunteer: PaulHarris, p35: Suffolk County Council, p36/37 bluebells: Tom Marshall, p36/p37: Steve Aylward, p38/p39: Paul Harris naturepl.com

Designed by Clare SheehanPrinted by Five Castles Press, Ipswich

© Copyright Text Nick Collinson 2014© Copyright of the photographs remains with the photographersAll maps by Suffolk Biological Records Centre

Julian RoughtonChief ExecutiveSuffolk Wildlife Trust


References1 “Natural capital refers to the elements of nature that produce value (directly and indirectly) to people, such as the stock of forests,

rivers, land, minerals and oceans”. It includes the living aspects of nature (such as fish stocks) as well as the non-living aspects (such as minerals and energy resources). Natural capital underpins all other types of capital (man-made, human and social) and is the foundation on which our economy, society and prosperity is built. By combining different forms of capital, we are able to enjoy a huge variety of benefits; ranging from the food we eat and water we consume in our homes to outdoor experiences and improved health to name but a few.” (Natural Capital Committee-2013)

2 http://www.wildanglia.org/3 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are the country's very best wildlife and/or geological sites. SSSIs are legally protected and

include some of Suffolk’s most spectacular and beautiful habitats: wetlands teeming with wading birds, ancient woods, flower-rich meadows, arid heathlands and windswept shingle beaches.

4 County Wildlife Sites (CWS) are non-statutory sites but play a key role in the conservation of Suffolk’s biodiversity. Suffolk has over 900 County Wildlife Sites, amounting to 19,200 hectares and covering 5% of the county. Many sites are of county, and often regional or national, importance. They are designated because they support characteristic or threatened species or habitats. Their importance is reflected in national and local planning policy.

5 www.parliament.uk/documents/post/postpn300.pdf 6 http://uknea.unep-wcmc.org/EcosystemAssessmentConcepts/EcosystemServices/tabid/103/Default.aspx7 http://uknea.unep-wcmc.org/8 Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services is the Government’s strategy for people and wildlife in

England. Biodiversity 2020 is England’s contribution towards the UK’s commitments under the United Nations Convention of Biological Diversity. Delivering Biodiversity 2020 is good for wildlife, for society and for our economy.

9 www.nwcu.police.uk 10 Biodiversity 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services11 Coombes, E, Jones, AP & Hillsdon, M (2010) The relationship of physical activity and overweight to objectively

measured green space accessibility and use. Social Science & Medicine, 70(6): 816-82212 http://uknea.unep-wcmc.org/13 http://www.ipswich.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents.php?categoryID=200073 14 UK National Ecosystem Assessment Chapter 22 – Economic values for ecosystems

http://uknea.unep-wcmc.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=zeBWV7obaV0%3d&tabid=82 15 Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) is a statutory designation, made by local authorities, for both people and wildlife. They are places with

wildlife or geological features that are of special interest locally. They offer people special opportunities to study or learn about nature or simply to enjoy it.

16 http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/4026670?category=3589029 17 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69446/pb13583-biodiversity-strategy-2020-111111.pdf 18 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-panel-on-forestry-final-report 19 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/221023/pb13871-forestry-policy-statement.pdf 20 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/keepersoftime 21 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/england-openhabitats22 Forestry Commission – from National Forest Inventory & Managed Woodland Headline Performance Indicator23 http://www.greensuffolk.org/assets/Greenest-County/SCCP/Climate-Change/Suffolk-Climate-Action-Plan-2-FINAL.pdf 24 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/carboncode25 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/69446/pb13583-biodiversity-strategy-2020-111111.pdf 26 http://www.newanglia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Green-Economy-Manifesto.pdf 27 Sites designated as they contain species or habitats of European Importance under either the EU Habitats & Species Directive or the EU

Birds Directive.28 http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/assets/suffolk.gov.uk/Business/Business%20Services/Economic%20development/2013-05-

08%20updated%20growth%20strategy.pdf29 http://www.defra.gov.uk/naturalcapitalcommittee/ 30 http://www.newanglia.co.uk/31 http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/assets/suffolk.gov.uk/Business/Business%20Services/Economic%20development/2013-05-

08%20updated%20growth%20strategy.pdf32 http://www.suffolkbrc.org.uk/ 33 http://www.suffolklandscape.org.uk/ 34 http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/assets/suffolk.gov.uk/Business/Business%20Services/Economic%20development/2013-05-

08%20updated%20growth%20strategy.pdf35 http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/assets/suffolk.gov.uk/Business/Business%20Services/Economic%20development/2013-05-

08%20updated%20growth%20strategy.pdf 36 http://www.gov.uk/government/policies/improving-water-quality37 Biodiversity offsets are conservation activities that are designed to give biodiversity benefits to compensate for losses - ensuring that

when a development damages nature (and this damage cannot be avoided) new, bigger or better nature sites will be created. They are different from other types of ecological compensation as they need to show measurable outcomes that are sustained over time.

38 A joint health and wellbeing strategy for Suffolk http://www.transformingsuffolk.co.uk/files/2013/strategy_summary-v07-web.pdf1.pdf39 http://uknea.unep-wcmc.org/40 48.8% of adults in Suffolk are physically inactive.(Source: Sport England Active People Survey 6&7 2013).

http://archive.sportengland.org/research/active_people_survey/national_indicator_8.aspx41 2009 Sport England commissioned the British Heart Foundation Health Promotion Research Group at Oxford University to prepare

estimates of the primary and secondary care costs attributable to physical inactivity for PCTs across England. http://archive.sportengland.org/support__advice/local_government/local_sport_profile_tool/costs_of_physical_inactivity.aspx

42 UK National Ecosystem Assessment, Chapter 23 – Health Values from Ecosystems http://uknea.unep-wcmc.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=S901pJcQm%2fQ%3d&tabid=82

43 Barton, H. and Grant, M. (2006) A health map for the local human habitat. The Journal for the Royal Society for the Promotionof Health, 126 (6). pp. 252-253. ISSN 1466-4240

44 2008 Mitchell R. and Popham F. “Effect Of Exposure To Natural Environment On Health Inequalities: An Observational Population Study” The Lancet, Volume 372, Issue 9650, Pages 1655 - 1660, 8 November 2008 http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(08)61689-X/abstract

45 http://www.livewellsuffolk.org.uk/healthwalks.php 46 http://suffolk.olminfoserve.co.uk/content/doc.aspx?id=5114 47 http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/your-council/plans-and-policies/raising-the-bar-briefing/ 48 http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/node/4622 49 http://www.rspb.org.uk/livingclassrooms/index.aspx50 www.seen.org.uk


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