Section 3. Social and environmental policy context and issues

Transcription

1 Section 3 Social and environmental policy context and issues

2 Introduction This section sets out the current social, economic and environmental context for the Suffolk Coast and Heaths, including: Relevant European, national, regional and local policy The main factors impacting on the Suffolk Coast and Heaths. 3.2 Climate change and relationship with the sea Climate change There is a growing weight of scientific opinion supporting the view that global climate change, influenced by the human use of energy and raw materials, is occurring. Any significant change is likely to present a threat to the Suffolk Coast and Heaths and there is a pressing need to understand its implications. Critical issues in the short to medium term are likely to relate to water (flood risk and sustainable use of resources), farming and biodiversity Changes in Government policy have seen more emphasis placed on working with natural processes. On the Suffolk coast, this could result in the rate of change accelerating and work is underway to enable communities and individuals Suffolk Coast and Heaths Management Plan to adapt to this approach. The legislative framework already exists to ensure that no net loss of internationally important habitat occurs, but there is no guidance on adaptation techniques for agriculture or biodiversity in general. There is an urgent need to investigate the potential effects of climate change on the characteristic habitats, species and landscapes of the AONB, model what may happen, and develop strategies that will mitigate any adverse effects. Much research at both national and local level is still needed, but a landscape-scale approach may be the best way to ameliorate the impact of climate change effects Within the AONB, the main conservation organisations have started to explore the concept of removing barriers to enable widespread grazing over a range of habitats. As well as helping to address climate change issues this approach brings other potential benefits such as landscape enhancement and greater public access. Many details still need to be addressed but, with significant amounts of land in conservation management between the Alde and Blyth estuaries, the potential exists for land managers to work together for mutual benefit. There is support from the AONB Partnership to test this way of working, involving all the relevant stakeholders in a dialogue about the implications Vulnerable sea defences protecting fresh water marshland at Minsmere RSPB Nature Reserve

3 Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 31 and alternatives. There may also be the opportunity to try some practical tests as part of the Dunwich Forest management changes A further consequence of the growing climate change consensus is recognition of the need to reduce our carbon footprint and to mitigate these problems through positive action for the environment. Initiatives such as Suffolk Creating the Greenest County act as a forum for developing new thinking and to promote carbonreductive solutions within local communities. plans assess the long-term implications and cost benefits of any intervention to ensure that sustainable solutions are found. The emphasis is now to be on ensuring that management schemes work with natural processes and to avoid excessive or unsustainable financial costs. Relationship with the sea Both at a European and national level, there is an increasing focus on the marine environment, most notably in the UK through the forthcoming Marine Bill. This aims to address the planning and management of the open sea and seabed and, of particular relevance for the Suffolk Coast and Heaths, the interface between the land and the sea. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is being promoted by European and national government, although the resources and mechanisms to implement it are not yet in place. The wide diversity of interests on the coast means that Suffolk would benefit from the application of ICZM, and its introduction is a local priority. Indeed, coastal management and flood defence are the most important issues currently facing communities living the AONB. The Suffolk Coast and Heaths Partnership could play an important role in helping to meet this goal and regional and countywide initiatives to drive this forward are emerging Rising sea levels, caused by the gradual sinking of the land following the last Ice Age and the impacts of climate change, are increasing the pressure on local coastal defences. In the Suffolk Coast and Heaths, many of the soft sea and estuary walls have insubstantial foundations and are maintained by frequent small scale topups. This limits the options for strengthening to cope with stormier conditions and higher water levels. Natural defences in front of the walls, such as salt marsh and mudflats, are eroding, increasing still further the impact of the sea. Even where there are sturdy shingle banks or hard defences, coastal changes are creating issues that need to be addressed. Government is promoting a change of approach to managing the coast, requiring that shoreline management Breaches in the shingle bank protecting the Suffolk Coast National Nature Reserve

4 32 Suffolk Coast and Heaths Management Plan A major benefit of integrated coastal planning and management is that engineering options can be developed in the context of the likely impacts on local communities, businesses, the landscape and natural environment. Issues such as compensation for the loss of land or property and the relocation of people from high-risk areas, the safeguarding of internationally important wildlife sites, and the maintenance of coastal access and recreational facilities can all be considered together within a spatial framework. Rock armour, East Lane, Bawdsey European-based wildlife designations require mitigation and compensation for adverse impacts, but the same compensation concepts do not apply for businesses, property, land or other community assets that face the same threat. For example, owners are required to remove buildings in danger of falling into the sea at their own expense. This situation has led to calls for the rights of individuals to be formally recognised in the planning and management of the coastline, and for there to be some form of compensation for loss of property and land where this provides public benefit in the realignment of the coast To date, the preparation of Shoreline Management Plans and Estuarine Strategies have been driven by the need for flood risk management and the protection of land. However, it is clear that a more inclusive and integrated vision for the coastline needs to be developed. Greater clarity is also required over who has the responsibility to take forward this new approach to coastal planning and management As well as internationally important marine wildlife areas, the Suffolk Coast and Heaths contains equally important freshwater habitats, currently protected behind sea walls and other defences. This creates both financial and legislative conundrums and suggests a longerterm approach is needed to determine flood risk management options. Only with careful forward planning can we ensure that locations are found where new freshwater habitat can be created before important sites are changed or lost The dynamic coastline also has implications for public access. Legally, there is no automatic roll back of Public Rights of Way lost to the sea, although this might not stop new public use. The concept of coastal access will be pushed forward by Government during the lifetime of this Plan and may allow a more rational approach to retaining public access to the coast. The development of new rights of access is best set within the context of a vision for the coast based on Integrated Coastal Zone Management, both to minimise conflict, ensure sensitive delivery and maximise public benefit Coast protection and flood defence schemes have used a variety of engineering techniques, some of which can have intrusive impacts on landscape, amenity and wildlife. Often, the only effective and economical solution is the use of rock armour - a totally alien and often intrusive element in a soft sandy coastline. There is an urgent need to develop less intrusive coastal defence techniques, such as the greater use of soft defences like salt marsh, that can greatly reduce the size (and cost) of defences needed, while also bringing landscape and biodiversity benefits.

5 Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Land use, biodiversity and geodiversity Overview The European Landscape Convention, recently ratified by the UK Government, seeks to recognise the concept of landscape in law and integrate it into relevant policy frameworks for landscape protection and management. There need to be procedures for informing and involving people and for moving towards landscape quality objectives. The Convention therefore underpins the work to care for the UK s protected landscape, including the Suffolk Coast and Heaths. The eastern region does not have a landscape strategy, although preliminary work on this has started. The county level landscape character assessment will be disseminated through 2008/09 and tested to see if it is correct and a useful decision making tool The network of important European wildlife sites, collectively called Natura 2000 sites, is underpinned by strong legislation, normally requiring mitigation or compensation for any plans or projects that adversely affect them. Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) for the most important habitats and species are created at national, regional and county level to prioritise conservation work. Local Geodiversity Action Plans seek to conserve important local features and enhance public understanding of geological and geomorphological resources, while a National Geodiversity Action Plan is being formulated. A duty to further biodiversity and geodiversity has been placed on local authorities and similar public bodies AONBs feature high up in the hierarchy of protection seeking to prevent inappropriate exploitation (e.g. minerals) while maintaining quality for renewable resources (e.g. water resource protection or food production). The new European Water Framework Directive is starting to influence national and regional planning and may have significant impacts on land and sea management. Changes to the agricultural payment processes are putting fresh emphasis on farming use of resources (soil, air and water) at the local level. The European Waste Directive and national changes in disposal costs are driving new initiatives on recycling and reuse of waste at all levels. Brown Argus

6 The Environment Agency and Natural England are currently working on an initiative to look at the problems of diffuse pollution, especially contamination of watercourses and air through run-off and discharges from normal production. With the Water Framework Directive bringing new expectations for water quality, there will be significant short-term action to improve water catchment management The Essex local authorities have led a campaign to get the Stour estuary and much of its southern shore designated as part of the AONB to ensure development respects its quality. Research in 1994 identified it as of similar landscape quality and both the District and County Plans have policies to seek its designation as an AONB to safeguard its special qualities. Arable Farming Arable farming within the AONB remains a dynamic activity, influenced by market forces and by the support provided by government. Crop preferences and farming methods may be subject to rapid changes as farmers adapt to the opportunities provided by the prevailing economic climate Where irrigation is possible on the light lands within the AONB, production can be intensive. This is because the land can be worked virtually all the year and, with the addition of water and fertilisers, precise cropping regimes can be created that suit vegetable production. The use of plastic covers early or late in the season also helps to extend the growing Suffolk Coast and Heaths Management Plan season. Stones are often removed to prevent damage to vegetable crops and harvesting equipment. The process has a significant negative impact on local soil structure and can impair drainage and exacerbate capping. While important for production, the presence of aerial irrigation rigs and the use of reflective plastic result in adverse visual impacts on the landscape. Maximising the returns from the land can impinge on the conservation value of the headlands and lessen the presence of over-wintering stubbles, vital for farmland birds. With water abstraction often at or over the environmental limits for much of the AONB, there is a growing trend for the creation of winterfilled reservoirs, which need careful siting and design to avoid adverse landscape impacts As part of the new rotations, turf production and outdoor pig units have also made a strong appearance. Turf helps to retain the open vistas of the AONB, but its vibrant green colour and uniform texture impact on the landscape and the continual loss of soil can damage the archaeological resource. An increase in the cultviation of biofuel crops in the AONB seems unlikely at present, except perhaps in the western fringes where clay is more dominant. The lack of local biofuel processing facilities, and the suitability of the land for vegetable production, make such a change unlikely, at least during the lifetime of this Plan. Outdoor pigs are thought by many to be attractive features, though the pens, straw stacks and fencing have adverse landscape impacts. The associated management is attractive to gulls and corvids - with a unfavourable effect on local breeding birds - and can make the land very vulnerable to run-off, bringing soil loss and pollution The application of fertilisers and outdoor pig units can significantly alter the structure and fertility of the soil, making it more difficult to return the land on the Estate Sandlands to lowland heath. However, within 20 years such soils will usually have lost any additional enrichment, although active conservation management is still needed to return these areas to heath. Vegetable irrigation, Alderton New schemes to drain grazing marshes appear to be no longer financially attractive and have virtually ceased. Areas previously drained in the

7 Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 35 flood plain usually continue to retain an arable cropping regime, with a consequent impact on the character of these areas. Previously drained areas may be subject to further drainage work as part of the long-term cycle of drain renewal. Arable farming, Blaxhall The increasing size of farm machinery is affecting the verges on minor roads, and the additional weight can impact on soil structure, making some areas vulnerable to run-off under storm conditions. Noise from farm-related traffic can adversely affect the quality of life of rural communities in the AONB, although measures such as quiet tarmac can and should be used to mitigate such problems The benefits of higher returns from intensive farming have allowed many farmers to invest in conservation measures right across the farm. Schemes such as set-aside, particularly where it has been semi-permanent, have also been very beneficial in supporting biodiversity. Set-aside is now no longer mandatory and the effect of this within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths is still uncertain To remain competitive and meet current consumer demand, it is likely that arable farming will continue at at least the current level of intensity on the most productive areas. It is to be hoped that the relative profitability of this sector may enable diversification and conservation on other, less productive areas. Without a viable farming sector, it is thought likely by the farming community that the standard of stewardship of the countryside would greatly decline. Grazing Cut turf, Sutton Dairy farming has significantly declined in the AONB. Increased production costs and poor returns have made it unviable to re-invest when infrastructure needed to be modernised. Flood plain and coastal grazing marshes have limited productivity without improved drainage or the addition of fertilisers and so livestock numbers in the area are generally declining, although there are niche markets for specialist beef herds (e.g. all-weather breeds, organic systems). Outdoor pig unit

8 36 Suffolk Coast and Heaths Management Plan Sheep farming on heather-dominated heaths is not attractive to commercial farming and is primarily only undertaken for conservation reasons. On heath that is dominated by acid grassland (grasses able to thrive on the sandy, acidic and free draining soils) sheep farming is more productive but only really viable with support through environmental schemes There is slow growth in equestrian grazing leading to a degree of paddock management of grassland that does bring intrusive fencing and little biodiversity gain. This is normally associated with settlement edges and is not widespread The trend towards less livestock farming is having its greatest impact on marginal areas often of high biodiversity or landscape importance which are becoming neglected, and declining in value. Support schemes The Environmentally Sensitive Area scheme (ESA) and, to a lesser extent, Countryside Stewardship (CS) has helped to ensure that many potentially harmful changes within farming have been ameliorated. Significant areas of grazing have been retained thanks to ESA and help for heathlands has come from CS. The long-term future of these payments has been questioned with the arrival of Environmental Stewardship. A clearer long-term picture needs to emerge or the river valley grasslands may well decline The new Entry Level Scheme for Environmental Stewardship may secure general environmental gains but the early indications are that the rather mechanistic/points scoring approach limits the grooming of actions to help local priorities, although this may change as experience grows. The budgetary limitations for High Level Scheme and the issues over bringing in the single farm payment scheme have led to many landowners biding their time before making major changes to farming practices. If the highlighted integrated and effective targeting of resources is required then a more proactive and partnership-based approach has to develop. Off-road cycling at Tunstall The farming community There is evidence nationally that relationships within the farming community, and between farmers and wider community, have become weakened. It is not clear whether this is true within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths but it is significant that the greatest environmental improvements appear to come when these links are at their strongest A consequence is that food production is remote from the consumer. There is a growing awareness of the value of locally grown food, whether for environmental, cost or quality benefits, or to emphasise and support local distinctiveness. A closer relationship between consumer and producer can also help to define the link between sensitive land management and high quality food, and tailor production to local demand. Improving and sustaining these vital relationships has many advantages for protected areas, not least because it encourages farmers to meet their environmental responsibilities while retaining economic vitality. Local initiatives, such as farmers markets and farm shops, are a welcome development in this context.

9 Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 37 Tunstall Forest Forestry Large areas of coniferous forest were planted in the early decades of the 20th century on low productivity farmland (former heath). New forests are now less common but established trees act as seed sources to spread across the heaths. The forests, known collectively as the Sandlings Forest and managed by the Forestry Commission, have provided vertical and textural elements in the landscape and are now recognised as an important part of the local area The timber returns from the forests have varied, depending on the state of the global market, and currently prices are high. Forestry provides many benefits beyond wood products and new management policies have accepted that the social, recreational and biodiversity contributions made by the Sandlings Forest can be very valuable. This is leading to a change of vision whereby extensive grazing incorporating heath and former heath is being tried, and a diversification in the species make-up and structure of the forest is being developed to meet the wider public and biodiversity interests. The potential for more recreational use of the Sandlings Forest is high, although it would need to fit into the overall care of the AONB. Cycling both formal/specialist and informal is growing in interest and the three main forest blocks could provide a range of opportunities as well as being linked by quiet roads In addition to the forests owned by the Forestry Commission, there are a number of smaller, privately owned woods in the AONB, some of which are in active conservation management and open to the public. The local demand for wood and for recreational activities such as field sports, together with the positive promotion of conservation, may provide a mechanism for encouraging management and improved access in woodlands that are currently in private hands.

10 38 Suffolk Coast and Heaths Management Plan 3.4 Development Overview Otter Rivers and their catchments Recent changes nationally have seen more environmentally friendly policies develop as agencies reduce their watercourse maintenance programmes in favour of allowing fluvial processes to operate more naturally. This has benefits for flood management as well as landscape and wetland wildlife. Active river restoration programmes allow opportunities to increase biodiversity as well as mitigate the impacts of flooding on local settlement The Environment Agency is introducing Integrated Catchment Management as a response to the Water Framework Directive. It acknowledges that water resource and land use planning can no longer be undertaken in isolation and that the watershed or catchment is the appropriate spatial unit for the management and planning of freshwater resources. Sustainable development of river catchments involves managing flood risk and balancing the needs of water abstractors with nature conservation interests. In the AONB many of the catchments appear to be close to limits and the development of the East Suffolk Catchment Abstraction Management Plan will help identify future actions As the Water Framework Directive starts to be implemented in England there is likely to be a shift in planning and project implementation with a complete River Basin approach. At this stage it is difficult to predict the implications though an integrated approach would mirror AONB objectives The evolving Regional Spatial Strategy identifies significant growth requirements in the region along with strengthened environmental policies for designated areas. The details will be reflected in Local Development Frameworks, 3 and it is important that AONB objectives are accommodated within these Frameworks. The Haven Gateway, which roughly stretches in an arc from Aldeburgh to Colchester and back to Harwich, encompasses the southern part of the AONB and is recognised by the Government as a Growth Point. This will bring very significant investment in housing and employment but must be underpinned by environmental assessment and action to ensure the AONB is conserved Public policy must be based on the concept of sustainable development, defined as development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. These needs are reflected in regional objectives, to protect and maintain our most valuable regional assets such as designated habitats, landscapes of natural beauty, and our historic built heritage, and to improve the wider environment by means of adequate investment and management Most documents relating to the region seek to rural proof their policies, i.e. ensure that rural areas are not unfairly penalised by the policies. The dispersed population and lack of local services are recognised as problems in the countryside and much of the deprivation identified in urban settings also exists in a rural setting albeit at lower numerical levels. The emphasis is on seeking to maintain viable communities, using electronic technology and some form of public transport choice to combat isolation. National infrastructure development Demand for major new developments (e.g. the Port of Felixstowe or Sizewell Nuclear Power Station) will create a potential conflict with conservation requirements 3 The new equivalent of Local Plans that will be produced by District Councils in the coming years. They are required to explore options for spatial planning and undertake sustainability appraisals to produce Development Documents to guide growth.

11 Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 39 of the AONB. On the coast and estuaries international wildlife designations place additional constraints on development. Any proposal must respect integrated estuary and coastal zone management techniques, and recognise the vulnerability of the coastal and marine biodiversity. As a result, mitigation and compensation proposals are likely to be an essential component of any future infrastructure development plans The current nuclear power station at Sizewell and its associated infrastructure has a considerable adverse impact on the natural beauty of the area. The construction of Sizewell B Power Station was permitted following a decision that there was an over-riding national need, and that the power station could not be located elsewhere. The Government has recently confirmed that nuclear power has a key role to play in meeting the future energy requirements of the country. It is anticipated that any further development at Sizewell would be judged against the same criteria, and that the dynamic nature of the coastline would also be taken into consideration. Should consent be granted for such a development then a comprehensive package of measures would be required to mitigate the adverse impacts The offshore wind farm at the Greater Gabbard is unlikely to have landscape implications though the on-land transfer station does have to be accommodated. On-shore locations are more testing and a robust assessment process is needed to ensure the quality of the landscape is not affected The undergrounding of low voltage wires in sensitive landscape locations in the AONB started in 2006 and should be actively continued. Local development The current growth needs, identified in the Regional Spatial Strategy, will primarily be met in the urban areas bordering or just outside the AONB. While this will not have a direct impact on the character of the AONB, an increased nearby population will create additional pressure for access and recreation. It is vital that the Haven Gateway Green Infrastructure Strategy addresses this additional demand on the AONB and robust measures are put in place to mitigate its effect The desire to live near the coast ensures there is strong demand for residential property within much of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths, either as first or second homes. This demand pushes up prices with the result that local people are often priced out of the market. It also results in virtually any suitable structure becoming converted for habitation (e.g. outbuildings and military defence structures). Sizewell Nuclear Power Station

12 40 Suffolk Coast and Heaths Management Plan Within the AONB, the priority of any new housing development should be to provide affordable housing to meet local needs. This will strengthen local communities, but the need for development of this kind can be challenging in terms of location and must be high quality to retain design and sustainability details. It is desirable for any residential development to be sympathetic to the local vernacular style and that issues of affordability should not reduce the quality of design or the materials used. There needs to be an emphasis on defining local character and guiding new development to retain local distinctiveness Improvements to energy efficiency to reduce demand need to become fundamental to our building. Micro-generation, (small scale schemes, perhaps combining heat and light, at the community level), could well be accommodated by attention to detail, including solar, wind and tidal power, but do require proper assessment through the planning process Tourism is vital to the economy of the AONB but must be developed in sustainable ways. The industry depends on the high quality surroundings provided by the AONB, but there needs to be a stronger mechanism to allow both businesses and visitors to contribute to its care and well-being. Positive examples of co-operation - such as the Connect scheme that links businesses and their customers to conservation projects - will help to push good practice forwards The importance and popularity of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths for water-borne recreation is reflected in the demand for landing, mooring and marina facilities, and the strength of the local boatbuilding and servicing industry. While sailing, in particular, is relatively benign in terms of its impact on the landscape, its supporting infrastructure can have a significant negative impact on natural beauty. The continuing popularity of water-based recreation means that the demand for further growth in this area is likely. Future proposals of any kind will need to be planned with the utmost respect for both the character and quality of the area, the requirements of SPA (Special Protection Area) designations, and the need to retain tranquillity. Traffic congestion on the outskirts of Southwold

13 Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty The proliferation of telecommunication masts has abated but could still be considered a threat to the open vistas and high quality landscape. Care needs to be taken that piecemeal development does not produce cumulative adverse impacts. The road corridor, if peppered with signs, lighting, kerbs or control measures, can quickly cause problems, just as landscaping or facilities like car parks or pumping stations can impact if attention is not given to materials or local character The growth in electronic communication means that businesses can be far more flexible over their choice of location. Rural and home working are now far more common. This may bring pressure to allow new piecemeal development to support small-scale employment opportunities in the AONB. More beneficially, it may also help retain the viability of rural settlements that are heavily dependent on farming and tourism A recent trend is to provide new suites of buildings for visitors/tourists, partially relieving the use of village buildings as second homes. It is important to pay attention to local character in such developments. However, little research has been done to explore the implications and outcomes of such developments. More tranquil Tranquillity The peace and tranquillity of the AONB - a facet of its natural beauty - is greatly treasured, allowing people to relax and recharge their batteries. With cars being the only realistic travel option for many, as well as busier skies, mechanised farming, and mobile technology that allows us to do more in remote places, the background noise levels are increasing. The unregulated use of powered water craft and the growth of low flying, whether for recreation or military training, is a particular problem. There are times when little can be done, but managing traffic and taking care to constrain unneeded noise must be an increasing priority within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Another manifestation of tranquillity is the lack of light pollution in much of the AONB. Dark night skies give a chance to see the stars, an asset perhaps more often valued after it has been lost Future development within the AONB must recognise the essential value of tranquillity and build in solutions that respect this special quality and allow it to be retained. This may include such easy wins as low level/directional/timed lighting, traffic calming and alternative transport options, and exploring how tranquil areas can be mapped and retained. Tranquillity map of Suffolk (Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB outlined in purple) Suffolk Tranquillity map reproduced courtesy of the Campaign to Protect Rural England. Mapping: Natural England. Crown copyright. All rights reserved. LA Less tranquil

14 Access and recreation The Countryside Agency s Diversity Review identified the need to improve information, provide a greater sense of welcome, enhance provision for people with disabilities and offer better transport options if the countryside is to be accessible to all. The landscape, coast and wildlife assets of the AONB mean that it receives access demands well above the average. Increased leisure time and the trend towards promoting green space for health and wellbeing have led to increasing participation in countryside activities such as walking, cycling and horse riding. The presence of water is a particular draw and the AONB is one of the most important areas for sailing in the whole of the UK. Other forms of outdoor recreation such as birdwatching have seen unprecedented growth and fishing remains a popular activity. Fishing at Dunwich Suffolk County Council s Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) has set six objectives covering a network that is accessible, better signed and maintained so that it is safer, and made more continuous to meet the needs of all users. It is proposed to improve the promotion and understanding of what is on offer and increase community involvement in managing and improving the network. An up-to-date publicly accessible digitised map is also a target It is still too early to assess the impacts of Open Access to heath and common and the Forestry Commission s forests, introduced in 2005, although it has certainly been beneficial in increasing access options. The Government launched its consultation on similar rights for access to the coast and estuaries in June Coastal access should enable more people to enjoy the AONB s pleasures, but will require effective and detailed local planning to Suffolk Coast and Heaths Management Plan ensure that access can be accommodated in this dynamic zone with its enormous wildlife importance and competing demands Greater public access can translate into disturbance and damage to wildlife (particularly through uncontrolled dogs), pressure on popular locations ( honeypots ), adverse impacts on residents, and significant pressure on resource as surfaces and access furniture is worn and more conflicts have to be resolved. The sheer number of people visiting the area can, at times, impact on tranquillity. There are also effects in terms of demand for facilities like car parks, toilets and refreshments. If designed for peak capacity, the facilities will remain obvious even when numbers of visitors are low. Litter and rubbish left behind also cause harm to wildlife and certainly mar the beauty Areas of shingle are particularly vulnerable to visitor pressure. The highly specialist vegetation is easily destroyed by trampling and the numbers of ground nesting birds like little terns have plummeted recently (an 80% decline in the last 12 years). Litter and waste is most obvious on beaches and, although some is sea borne, much is left by visitors or blown in by the wind. Human pressure can also impact on water birds. The use of sea and estuarine walls places people above the skyline and has a significant impact, particularly in the winter, disturbing large number of wading birds and wildfowl during feeding or roosting Without the chance to enjoy the beauties and pleasures of the AONB, it will always be harder to gain the necessary commitment to its conservation. A positive and balanced approach is needed if people are to have an enjoyable experience while recognising the responsibilities that come with the rights of access Threats to the tranquillity of the area come through reliance on the private car for travel to, and between, locations within the AONB. While it is highly unlikely that significant changes to this can be made without a major change in public attitudes, providing realistic alternatives for particular journeys may help. This might be through public transport options (such as the Coastlink demand-led service between the main market towns and the coast or weekend recreation buses with added attractions) or strategic planning for cycling.

15 Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Having multiple objectives for management of green space is a concept gaining momentum as the ability for all to get out and enjoy the open air and wildlife is explored. Green space provision is piecemeal and uneven and the compatibility of differing uses needs further research. Green space strategies, audits and plans are set to grow in importance during the lifetime of this plan. 3.6 Understanding and behaviour The AONB designation should be regarded as a benefit for all partner organisations and local communities. However, with that benefit comes the need to take ownership of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths by promoting its value and raising awareness. Currently, within the Partnership, this activity is all too frequently left to the AONB Unit and, while they may have a co-ordinating role, more organisations need to be actively seeking ways to relate to the designation With so many competing demands on a small area, the impact of what people do becomes critical. With awareness and understanding of the special qualities, how they came about, and how they can be conserved, people are more willing to make the changes necessary to manage natural beauty. In a complex world there is a competitive edge to getting your information across. However, too much paper or too many signs can turn people off. That means a personal approach, innovation, a customer focus and clarity. Close targeting to residents, visitors and potential supporters becomes important Currently, most users of the AONB live either inside or within 15 miles of the boundary, an area that includes the major towns of Ipswich and Lowestoft. Visitor management is already an issue for many locations within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths, so the focus for awareness, promotion and interpretation should be directed at this core area, rather than to a wider audience The provision of material for young people is very important. So far, the Partner organisations have tackled this in a piecemeal (but well received) way through active education centres linked to sites. Clarity from educators about what resources would be most appropriate, cross-related to AONB objectives, may highlight where development would be valuable The presence of litter within the AONB and especially at the coast is unwelcome. Food packaging is a major source of coastal rubbish along with discarded fishing tackle and dog waste. Fly-tipping continues in the countryside putting the burden to dispose of it on private and public landowners. The AONB Unit coordinates Beachwatch and Adopt-A-Beach in Suffolk an excellent example of Partnership and community engagement, aimed at tackling a key issue. This involvement of both the Partnership and the wider community needs to grow, as does an awareness of how to reduce, reuse and recycle our waste. Beachwatch Aldeburgh Dunwich

16 IP12 1PE Designed & produced by Spring: Breaches in the shingle bank by Mike Page