Suffolk’s beautiful countryside, rich wildlife and our quality of life emerged as the top reasons why our readers love Suffolk.
A third (33%) who took part in our survey said the Suffolk countryside was the best thing about living in the county, with 24% saying it is the quality of life and 15% saying it is our stunning coast and seaside.
People from Suffolk feel lucky to live in such a picturesque county – which has areas of national importance for conservation and wildlife as well as being a feast for the eyes.
James Meyer, senior conservation planner at Suffolk Wildlife Trust, said he was delighted to hear Suffolk’s varied landscape and rich animal and bird life topped our table.
He said: “It’s a county for countryside and wildlife.
“You can go from the coast to ancient woodlands and Brecks all in one place.
“If you start at the coast we have our estuaries which have fantastic bird populations and are important for winter bird migrations.
“The coast itself with its shingle beaches are of national importance.
“Move inland and you have our ancient woodlands like Bradfield Woods, which are some of the best examples of ancient woodlands in the country.
“We have veteran trees going back hundreds of years.
“In the west you have the Breckland, a unique habitat for rare birds, vertebrates and plants.”
Mr Meyer said it is vital we work to maintain our countryside and wildlife so that future generations can enjoy it as much as we do.
“I think the natural environment is at the core of what we are and it is very encouraging to see how people living in Suffolk appreciate it.
“It is really positive that they value the countryside as much as we do. It is important we value all the wonderful things we have in county.
“Suffolk is under pressure for things like house building and infrastructure. We have to make sure that whatever is delivered doesn’t damage the things that people really value.”
The county’s friendly people and community spirit was voted as the fourth reason you love Suffolk at 6% with its range of activities and places to visit and east reach to London following up with 2%.
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