About the AONB

The Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley Project consists of 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 AONB.