Develop a strategic vision for improving and managing the ANG and bring about real change in the southern part of the Sandlings AONB.  This project is the first part of an ambitious vision for creating a 3000 hectare sustainable landscape scale recreational resource rich in wildlife for the Haven Gateway area.

Scope of the Project

The project has two phases:

Phase One:

• Undertake a detailed audit of visitor use of Tunstall and Rendlesham Heaths and Forests.
• Bring together data sets on the populations and distributions of key species and current land use.

Phase Two:

• Use the knowledge gathered above to create a plan that balances recreation with sensitive land management.

Aim of the Project

• Complete a detailed audit of visitor use of Tunstall and Rendlesham heaths and forests.
• Produce a development plan specifying 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.

Outcome of the Project

The study seeks to enable significant enhancements of landscape and access outputs.

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.