Natural Connections Conservation Group

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Natural Connections is a new monthly practical conservation group in the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which supports people to improve their wellbeing by connecting with beautiful natural landscapes protected for nature.

Group participants take part in light conservation tasks such as tree care, footpath maintenance and invasive species control, improve their wildlife identification skills and will be led on short walks around local nature reserves.

Natural Connection groups are small and inclusive and can link participants with further volunteering and activities organised by Dedham Vale AONB. The programme runs between September and March every year, with ad-hoc activities available in the summer months.

Work sites alternate between Tiger Hill Local Nature Reserve in Bures, a secluded reserve with areas of heathland and woodland, and Hornestreet Nature Reserve in Langham, a community-run woodland and meadow site.

Minibus pickup points are available in Colchester and Ipswich respectively for those that cannot travel independently.

Natural Connections groups are also delivered at sites in Wrabness and Mutford in Coast & Heaths AONB if participants would like to join more sessions. More information is available on the website.

Upcoming Dates

  • Monday 20th March – Hornestreet Fields Nature Reserve – 10:30am – 2:30pm
  • Monday 17th April - Tiger Hill Local Nature Reserve – 10:45am – 2:45pm

To refer a service user to Natural Connections, contact James Skipper by emailing james.skipper2@suffolk.gov.uk or by calling 075623 08055. Alternatively, referrals can be made via the Suffolk Information Partnership.