Suffolks Best Heathlands

Suffolk’s natural beauty can be best seen through some of its natural landscapes, such as its heathlands. To the east of the county, along the Suffolk coastline, you will find the Suffolk and Essex Coast and Heaths National Landscape, and, in the north, you will find the Brecklands, which spill over into Norfolk. So, if you want to enjoy the tranquillity that nature has to offer, why not check out some of Suffolk’s best heathlands.

History of The Sandlings

Traversing across Suffolk from the eastern side of Ipswich up through to Southwold, the Sandlings contain a rich history and a connection with nature like no other place. Heathland has been considered as not having much of an economic gain, and during the 1900s, the Sandlings were afforested and due to the war, saw many airfields being constructed on the heathland, such as RAF Rendlesham. However, since the 1980s, there has been major conservation work on The Sandlings such as the reintroduction of sheep grazing, creation of new habitats.

Nowadays, within the Sandlings, and the Suffolk Heath and Coasts Area of Natural Beauty, there are some amazing heathlands to visit and to be at one with nature. 

Snape Warren

Not far from our Woodfarm Barge at Snape Maltings is Snape Warren Heath. Snape Warren is part of the focus on conservation and recreation of the Sandlings heathland, with the reintroduction of sheep and ponies, as well as the clearing of trees and scrublands to give the land back to the Sandlings heathland. At Snape Warren, you can enjoy the views of the River Alde as it heads out to sea, along the Sailor’s walking path. As well as that, Snape Warren is home to RSPB Snape, which have guided walks to see the vast array of different wildlife and birds that the restored heathland have to offer.

Westleton, and Dunwich Heath and Beach

Dunwich – a coastal village off the beaten track, is home to the stunning National Trust site of Dunwich Heath and Beach. But, before you even get to Dunwich, you have to go through the Westleton Heath National Nature Reserve, just over one mile up the road from Dunwich. 

For the last 50 years, Dunwich Heath has been being looked after by the National Trust, which is helping to oversee the conservation work. In the summer, Dunwich Heath becomes illuminated with purple and pink heather – perfect for that postcard perfect picture. 

Right next to Dunwich Heath, on the right you have Dunwich Beach, and to the south, you have RSPB Minsmere on the same heathland, where you can take in the breathtaking views and the unique wildlife to the area. 

Wesleton Heath and National Nature Reserve is seen as a tranquil and idyllic spot of Suffolk heathland and boasts a brilliant array of wildlife in the area, such as a wide range of nesting birds and Dartmoor ponies to help with the conservation efforts.  

With there being so much nature to enjoy at Dunwich and Westleton, it is a no-brainer to go and explore what nature has to offer at these tranquil heathlands.

Sutton Heath

South-west from Woodbridge, within the Suffolk and Essex Coasts and Heaths National Landscape, you will find Sutton Heath, first created in the Stone Age to allow for animals to graze, and since then, it has been preserved. During WW2, the importance of the heath and the preservation of it was seen with anti-glider trenches being built so enemy gliders couldn’t land on Sutton Heath in the case of an enemy attack. Sutton Heath is known for its natural beauty, with the woodland around it and the flourishing wildlife, as well as the animal’s homes. So, why not take an adventure around and see what Sutton Heath has to offer.

Knettishall Heath

On the complete other side of Suffolk, you will find the Brecklands, which cover over 500 square miles on the Suffolk/Norfolk border, with over 12,000 species within the Brecks, of which 30% are rare. One beautiful part of heathland you will find is Knettishall Heath Country Park, an area of heathland that has remained virtually untouched since the Anglo-Saxon area. The heath covers 430 acres and across this, there are lots of rare wildlife to take in as you meander through the beautiful heathland.

With there being so much nature to discover across Suffolk’s heathlands, why not take a stroll through and see what Suffolk has to offer in terms of natural beauty when staying at our Barns and Barges for rent.