What we do

The Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project is a small team focusing on conserving and enhancing the special qualities of the Stour Valley, but this is only one element of a much wider group of organisations committed to this work.

The landscape of the Stour Valley with its vibrant communities and rich agricultural history has inspired generations of artists, writers and painters. As well as these strong cultural connections, the valley has abundant wildlife living in the mosaic of habitats along the river valley. Large numbers of visitors are drawn to appreciate and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the countryside and explore its rich historical associations.

These special qualities are vulnerable to a wide variety of changing pressures, particularly in the lower part of the valley, that is nationally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

For more than 20 years the Dedham Vale and Stour Valley Countryside Project has been at the heart of a partnership between local authorities, government agencies, national organisations and local people. The aim of this partnership is to conserve and enhance the special qualities of the area. It is essential that we continue to build upon the success of this strong partnership working, if we are to conserve the area for the benefit of future generations of residents and visitors. In order to achieve this, the Partnership has now published the first ever Management Strategy for the Valley and is working towards its implementation.

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