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Nature and Wildlife

The open landscape of the Stour Valley provides a home for over 1,500 plant species, 175 bird and almost 1,000 moth species!

The area has a network of designated wildlife sites and protected areas, including several Sites of Special Scientific Interest, as well as the Dedham Vale National Landscape.

These landscapes support several wildlife initiatives such as the provision of nest boxes for barn owl and creation of habitat corridors for endangered species including the Dormouse. Visitors can catch a glimpse of this diverse wildlife at many of the nature reserves in the valley.

Nature in the Stour Valley Visitor Guide


Use this guide to explore the network of designated wildlife sites, nature reserves, protected areas, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest throughout the Stour Valley – home to over 1500 plant species, 175 bird and almost 1000 moth species.


Nature and Wildlife Podcast

To provide visitor information and inspiration, a series of Visit Stour Valley podcasts has been produced.


Episode 4 – Nature and Wildlife in the Stour Valley explores the different types of wildlife that visitors might be able to spot in the valley, and whereabouts they might go to immerse themselves in nature.