Could parts of Suffolk gain Unesco World Heritage status?

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced the seven places to be named on its "tentative list," published around every 10 years, which sets out the sites it is felt have the best chance of succeeding achieving World Heritage status.

Unesco’s World Heritage site system offers the opportunity for cultural and natural heritage sites to gain international recognition and promote themselves on a global stage.

Places of natural significance recommended for consideration by the DCMS include the East Atlantic Flyway, a migratory bird route over western parts of Europe including Suffolk and Norfolk.

It joins the list in recognition of its vital importance to bird populations and wildlife as an area that sees huge transient bird populations pass through every year.

If successful, Suffolk would join the 33 other World Heritage sites already based in the UK including Stonehenge and Hadrian’s Wall.

Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said: “Today we are confirming our support for some of the most enchanting heritage sites and breathtaking landscapes in the UK and its overseas territories as they bid for Unesco World Heritage Site status.

Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson. Picture: PA (Image: PA)

“All the locations being put forward would be worthy recipients of this accolade – and we will give them our full backing so they can benefit from the international recognition it can bring.”

Laura Davies, HM Ambassador to Unesco, said: “It is great that the UK is contributing to making World Heritage more representative.

“These five sites brilliantly reflect the diversity and beauty of the UK and its overseas territories’ natural and cultural heritage, and I look forward to working with them towards World Heritage listing.”

The DCMS says it will now work with local authorities and devolved administrations to develop their bids.