Where is the open access land in Suffolk?
The main areas which have been mapped as being open country are
concentrated in the Brecks in the West of the county and the
Sandlings in the east along the coast but because the new rights
also cover registered commons there are sites to visit all over
Suffolk.
If you would like to find out where to go the easiest way is to
visit Natural England's web site at
www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk
which has links through to the maps. Just type in the parish you
are interested in and you can see where you can walk in that
area.
When you are visiting the larger
sites you may find signs like this one showing you where you
can walk, it will also give your location and show other
access and information points where you will be able to check
where you are on the site and usually you will also find a way
of entering or exiting the land. These signs also show any
restrictions which have been placed on the area, this is
important as several sites exclude access during spring and
summer for conservation reasons.
Important news about restrictions
From 1st March there are a number of sites across the county
which will be closed because for conservation reasons. This is very
important to protect the sites during the breeding season,
especially for ground nesting birds. The sites will be closed from
1st March to 31st October and you can check which ones are affected
at
www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk
along with which ones remain open.
Although these sites are closed for some of the year there is more
open access land nearby along with Forestry Commission land which
you will be able to visit throughout the year.
March 1st is also the date that the dogs on leads restriction
starts. Again this is a way to make sure that animals and birds on
the sites are not disturbed. Between 1st March and 31st July all
dogs should be kept on a fixed lead of no more than 2 metres. This
does not apply to most Forestry Commission land where dogs under
close control are welcome, and a dedicated dog exercise area can be
found next to the Sutton Heath car park.
Feeling adventurous?
Visiting open access land might be your first experience of
getting into the countryside or you may be a regular visitor. As
well as being worth a trip on their own these sites also offer a
good start to exploring more of Suffolk.
The new edition of the Ordnance Survey Explorer maps show all the
open access land along with the rights of way in the area which can
help you plan your adventure!