The pockets of heathland are fiercely protected and managed - a rich haven for many rare species of flora and fauna.

The Chilterns

Covering parts of both Bedfordshire and
Hertfordshire, this ‘Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty' is noted for its unspoilt landscape and
rural character. Shaped by the last Ice Age,
the gently rolling hills form part of a great chalk
belt running from Dorset to Yorkshire.

The area features both ancient woodlands of Oak,
Ash and Cherry, alongside open grass and
downland - where the chalk is exposed at the
surface. In the 18th C. extensive Beechwoods
were planted, with some of this valuable timber
used in the local chair making industries. Set
amongst the small, peaceful valleys are scattered
farmsteads, rare chalk streams and attractive
villages of brick and flint cottages. Whilst Britain's
oldest road The Icknield Way (which dates back
to Neolithic times) follows the ridge of the hills.
Today this long distance footpath is lined with the
remains of burial mounds and Iron Age forts.

The Chilterns are rich in flora and fauna. In spring,
the woodlands are carpeted with Bluebells; whilst in
the autumn, the trees are turned to magnificent golden colours. On the chalk
downland (grazed by livestock), the Pasque flower and several species
of orchid attract many butterflies, such as the Chalkhill Blue. Look out also
for the Red Kite (a bird of prey successfully reintroduced here in the 1990's),
deer, wood-loving insects and various species of bats. Visitors can enjoy
walking, cycling and horseriding routes.

Places to Visit
Tring Park, Ashridge Estate, Dunstable Downs, Blow's Downs Nature Reserve, Barton Hills National Nature Reserve

Further information: www.chilternsaonb.org

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The Dedham Vale

Designated as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' - the Dedham Vale sits on the borders of Essex and Suffolk, and has become famous worldwide through the paintings of John Constable (1776-1837). Many of the scenes which brought him inspiration can still be seen today, especially at Flatford, and along the river banks between here and Dedham. The area is characterised by some of the finest lowland landscape in England - the River Stour winding through undulating fields and meadows dotted with old trees and ancient woodlands. Lanes and hedgerows criss-cross the valley - adding to the timeless quality of the vale. Rich in flora and fauna, look out for the Black Poplar (Britain's rarest native tree), the Dormouse and Otter. The area is best discovered on foot or by bicycle.

The Sandlings

An area of lowland heaths - which once stretched right along the Suffolk coastline from Ipswich to Lowestoft. They were created by prehistoric farmers, as they cut back the trees to make clearings for crops. But the sandy soils were too poor for farming, and the area was later used for the grazing of sheep and rabbits. This prevented the trees from growing back, allowing heather, gorse and grasses to spread. Then in the 1920's - with the need for more timber, the Forestry Commission purchased large areas to develop as a forest. Today the use of modern farming techniques has drastically changed the ancient character of the area, turning the sandy soils into productive agricultural land. But the pockets of remaining heathland are fiercely protected and managed - a rich haven for many species of birds, insects, plants and reptiles. Various types of Gorse and Heather (Ling) cover the heaths, offering colour virtually all year round. Whilst areas of grassland are good for wildflowers. Clearings offer a valuable home to the Woodlark - and from May to September, the Nightjar, whose ‘churring' can be heard on summer evenings. Look out also for the Ant-lion, Dartford Warbler and Silver-Studded Blue Butterfly. The landscape is also dotted with historical sites, such as Sutton Hoo, the famous Anglo-Saxon royal burial ground.

Key places of interest: Walberswick Visitor Centre, Dunwich Heath: Coastal Centre and Beach, Sutton and Hollesley Commons