What is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)?

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a nationally designated important landscape cared for by a Partnership, a team, and the thousands of people who live in, work in and visit it.

Dedham Vale was designated in 1970 with the purpose of conserving and enhancing the habitats and biodiversity.

The Partnership and team provide a lead on key issues that affect its future, supporting and facilitating the work of others.

Free Trail Running Taster Sessions

Join the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for our free-of-charge AONB trail running taster sessions to have a go in a fun, no-pressure environment.

Sessions are open to people of all abilities, with options to run as little or as much as you like. The second event is on Wednesday 16th October at 6:00pm.

Enjoy a free introductory trail run from Cattawade along the Stour Valley Path. A great opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of Dedham Vale!

Significant grant funding available

More than £20,000 of grant funding is available for community projects in the Dedham Vale as the Sustainable Development Fund reopens for applications.

Whether you have a project that covers topics such as wildlife conservation, access and diversity, climate change, health and wellbeing, learning, or heritage, your application is most welcome.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 12th October 2022.

Landscape Lens launches in Dedham Vale

Exciting news: We’re thrilled to announce that our National Lottery Heritage Funded-project, Landscape Lens, is now live!

The project has seen 10 fixed-point photography posts installed across the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The project aims to help people connect with, learn about and enjoy the many special landscapes that make up the AONB.