Sutton Heath and Upper Hollesley Common

Sutton Heath

Sutton Heath is a large area of over 62 hectares (150 acres) of heathland and woodland. It lies within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) (new window) and is some 3 miles to the east of Woodbridge. The heathland supports many of the typical wildlife species found on the Sandlings Heaths of coastal Suffolk, including birds such as the Woodlark and Yellowhammer. Fallow Deer are often seen and during the spring and summer months Adders are occasionally seen.

AONBs are protected landscapes considered to be as beautiful as any National Park. The Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB is looked after by a partnership of organisations all helping to conserve and enhance the area’s natural beauty. Suffolk Coastal District Council is part of this AONB Partnership. The Partnership has developed a position statement on the management of Sandlings Heaths:

• Position statement on the management of the Sandlings heaths (new window PDF 186KB)

There are car parks, cycle parking and picnic facilities on the B1083 and the Hollesley Road and there is a network of way-marked trails for a leisurely walk of up to 2 miles. Paths may be muddy during wet weather.

• Sutton Heath car park and picnic area (south)
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• Sutton Heath car park and picnic area (north)

Sutton Heath is on the route of the Sandlings Walk long-distance footpath (new window) which links Ipswich to Southwold.

Upper Hollesley Common

Part of Upper Hollesley Common to the east of Sutton Heath on the Hollesley Road also has car parking, cycle parking and picnic facilities. This smaller area of heathland has a circular way-marked trail. This area too is known for its important heathland wildlife which now includes breeding Dartford Warblers.

• Upper Hollesley Common car park and picnic area (new window)

Heathland management

Sutton Heath and Upper Hollesley Common form part of the Sutton and Hollesley Site of Special Scientific Interest and Sandlings Special Protection Area in recognition of the international importance of its healthland habitat and wildlife.

The Council's land at Sutton Heath is managed under a Higher Level Countryside Stewardship Agreement in order to improve and maintain the heathland habitat, tree belts and woodland. The management includes the grazing of part of the site using livestock, normally sheep. These animals form part of the Sandlings flock which is owned and managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust (new window).

Follow this link for more information about Sutton Heath and its future management.