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Dedham Guided Walks
07/06/2010
Dedham Guided Walks
Following on from the success of last year’s guided walks around Dedham, Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project are delighted to announce the launch of this year’s series of summer walks, led by Colchester Blue Badge Guides. The walks highlight the architectural features of Dedham, as well as its connections to England’s greatest landscape painter – John Constable, before rounding off with a visit to the stunning home and grounds of Sir Alfred Munnings – Castle House, where there is also the opportunity to relax and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea in the Studio Tearoom. Dedham remains such a popular destination, and has a wealth of historic buildings and cultural connections. The High Street is renowned for its individual shops, and a range of interesting places to eat and drink. Until the launch of the pilot scheme in 2007, there were no formal guided walks on offer. “The Dedham Guided Walks have gone from strength to strength, with an increase on last year’s bookings of 114%. They have proved extremely popular and we are keen to continue the momentum this summer,” said Elaine Bryce, Transport and Tourism Officer for the Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project. “With the trend to holiday at home still proving popular, we want to encourage visitors and local residents to find out more about Dedham’s fascinating history.” The series kicks off in June, with the walks taking place from 2pm on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. Confirmed dates are 13
Places can be booked by contacting the Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project on 01473 264263, or bookings can be made online at www.dedhamvalestourvalley.org/form.asp?PageId=105 Tickets are priced at £5 for adults and £2 for children, and include entry to the Sir Alfred Munnings Art Museum.
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Contact
For further information on the Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project, please contact Sue Ellis, Communications Officer, on 01473 264263.
Notes for editors
• The Dedham Vale AONB is one of Britain’s finest landscapes. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) are part of the “family” of UK protected areas that include our National Parks and Heritage Coasts. All receive special protection because of their outstanding landscape quality. • As with many protected landscapes across the country, the Dedham Vale AONB has a mixed rural economy based on agriculture, small business and the tourism sector. The value of the landscape in the tourism sector of the economy is highly significant. A recent study undertaken by East of England Tourism (EET) found that when direct, supplier and income-induced expenditure are added together, business turnover in the Dedham Vale AONB economy (ie. total tourism value) is £39,767,418. Furthermore, in total, it is estimated that 599 full time equivalent jobs are supported by the tourism industry in the Dedham Vale AONB, equating to 841 actual jobs. (Economic Impact of Tourism in the East of England Protected Landscapes, published 2008). • The Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project seek to champion the environmental and cultural qualities of the Stour Valley. • The Project is funded by Natural England, Suffolk County Council, Essex County Council, Babergh District Council, Braintree District Council, Colchester Borough Council, St. Edmundsbury Borough Council and Tendring District Council.
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