A host of exciting projects in Suffolk, including the Shotley peninsula, have received significant funding to engage local communities of all ages with nature to improve health, access, and connection to their surroundings. 

The annual Sustainable Development Fund awards grants up to £5,000 for community projects that will help to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

For the 2023-24 year, 12 projects were successful with their applications, with a combined total of £33,548 awarded. Several of the projects that received funding will work with different demographics to improve diversity and inclusivity. 

Hazel coppice (Picture: Tony Pick)

The Letters in the Landscape project will see six primary schools within the Coast & Heaths area take part in walking photography projects, whilst the Landscapes for All project will utilise public transport links in the area to engage diverse and underrepresented communities through guided nature/wellbeing walks and educational activities.

The ever-popular Orford Ness National Trust site will deliver ADHD and Autism Awareness training to staff and volunteers and provide content recorded in British Sign Language for visitors, funded by Sustainable Development Fund grants.

Other projects funded include beachcombing activities for all ages and levels of mobility in six Suffolk libraries, an educational volunteering project in Rushmere, the introduction of Nordic Walking sessions and art sessions to communities in Aldeburgh and Thorpeness, and the production of climate change awareness information in Brantham.

Natural Brantham (Picture: Nub News)

Birds and nature will also benefit with three exciting projects to support conservation important species and habitats. Funding was awarded for the construction of the Eastbridge Swift Tower within the grounds of The Eels Foot Inn, Eastbridge, to boost swift populations.

RSPB Havergate Island received awarded funding Spoonbill deep water feeding creation project. A Suffolk Wildlife Trust conservation project will see the protection of hazel trees beneath the high canopy of the ancient oaks at Captain's Wood nature reserve.

The Sustainable Development Fund aims to benefit the Coast & Heaths, with funds provided by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Find out more about the Sustainable Development Fund, and other grant giving schemes, at www.coastandheaths.org/managing