This project is the first step in an ambitious vision for creating a 3,000 hectare recreational landscape that is rich in wildlife for the population of south-east Suffolk and north-east Essex.  Planners and land managers need to develop an approach thats blends people and places together in an area prized for its landscape and wildlife. A two-part study or report will be produced.

Scope of the Project

Phase One: undertake a review of research which focuses on the integration and management of people and sensitive landscapes

Phase Two: Use the knowledge gathered in phase one to create a plan that balances recreation with sensitive land management.  Complete a detailed audit of visitor use and the populations and distributions of key species and land use

Aim of the Project

• Complete a detailed review of research which focuses on the integration and management of people and sensitive landscapes.
• Produce a development plan that balances recreation with sensitive land management specifying the investment needs to:
  • deliver a new recreational infrastructure (car park and visitors centre)
  • deliver landscape scale conservation.
  • identify next steps for planning for these changes
  • provide a timescale for future delivery of capital projects
• Show the Haven Gateway Partnership how to make green infrastructure planning at the landscape scale work for the sub-region

Outcome of the Project

• Number of additional users: significant enhancement expected
• Increase in accessible natural greenspace: significant enhancement expected
• Improvement of strategic access routes: significant enhancement expected
• Enhancements to habitats, the historic environment, distinctive landscape character: significant enhancement expected

Status

Funding for 2009/10: £25,000

IDP Package: Green Infrastructure

Status as at 31 March 2010

• Questionnaire designed and selection of survey sites completed.
• Communication and consultation with Parish Councils carried out.
• Visitor fieldwork elements completed.  Questionnaires at 17 locations (2 days at each).
• Analysis of autumn and winter visitor survey and interim report completed.
• Initial visitor survey results show that the catchment area is wide with Ipswich proving to be a significant home base for visitors to the area.
• The award of revenue funding for 2010/11 has enabled the project to go forward into its second phase.