Countryside
The Countryside Team
The Council’s Countryside Team is responsible for countryside recreational sites and nature reserves owned by the Council and works with landowners, communities and other agencies to actively protect, conserve and enhance Mid Suffolk’s and Babergh's wider countryside.
Read our Countryside Ranger blog or follow us on Facebook
The Team manages a number of sites across the districts, ranging from the popular Needham Lake with its play areas and easy walks through to small Local Nature Reserves, managed for their wildlife and landscape importance. Follow the link to discover more about places to visit.
Outdoor Learning and Activities
The Countryside Team organises a series of guided walks and children’s activities throughout the year as well as educational programmes for schools and activities for groups such as Cubs and Brownies.
Our fortnightly volunteer group help the Rangers with practical tasks on site. These vary from constructing otter holts to hay making. Volunteers learn practical skills, enjoy working together and make a real difference to what can be achieved.
The Team can also support community groups looking to manage their own sites for wildlife with advice, equipment loan and initial practical help. Find out how to get involved or how we can help you by following the link.
Mid Suffolk and Babergh are fantastic areas to explore on foot with a network of footpaths linking the many small settlements. To find out more about Public Footpaths and Bridleways follow these links. The Mid Suffolk Footpath linking Stowmarket with Hoxne is a waymarked 20 mile route for the more serious walker.