Babergh is amongst the best places to live in the country, with superb countryside and wonderful towns and villages to explore. The Council own and manage a number of Parks, open spaces and nature reserves which are homes for wildlife and great places for a family outing or a quiet walk.
To find out more please visit the information below.
Friars Meadow, next to the River Stour in Sudbury is an area of grassland ideal for picnics and outdoor family games. The river and meadows are a haven for nature and biodiversity.
There is easy access from the town centre, near to the train station and Kingfisher Leisure Centre, there is plenty of free parking.
The Sudbury water meadows are grazed in the summer months and are the longest continuously grazed pastures in East Anglia.
Next to the meadows is the Valley Walk, a linear route along part of the old railway line between Sudbury and Cambridge.
The valley walk is 3 miles to Long Melford Country Park with views of the meadows and rivers.
Kone Vale is a small pretty area of willow woodland that lies either side of the Railway Walk.
It is an area to walk through the woodland or sit peacefully enjoying nature.
Belle Vue Park covers an area of 5.4 acres. The park is suitable for walking, and family activities, and features sports facilities such as a basketball court, and a tennis court, skate park and playgrounds.
You can find out more about accessibility here
Activlives also run several 'Grow Your Future' programmes for anyone aged 16+ who are unemployed or economically inactive, and not engaging in education or training in Belle Vue Park, more information can be found here
Broom Hill was a former quarry that supplied local brick makers. It is site is now an area of woodland, scrub and grasslands.
There are lots of old trees in the wooded area - Oaks, Small-leaved Lime and Hazel trees,.
There are public rights of way by the site and with informal tracks to walk around the space.
You can see good views of Hadleigh from the top of the hill and the neighbouring meadows are rich in wildflowers and insects.
Parking is available on Corks Lane adjacent to the play area.
The Riverside Walk passes through an area of Alder woodland and fen alongside the River Brett.
A surfaced path runs through the mature Alder woodland from Corks Lane in the north, to a small picnic site close to Duke Street in the south.
There are lots of Alder trees Alder was grown to make charcoal in the past and coppicing (cutting the tree at ground level and allowing it to regrow) produced a regular supply of wood.
It’s a great space to enjoy nature with tall trees are bird song from warblers, tits and finches . Squirrels and Muntjac deer can be spotted.
Toppesfield Gardens are a remnant of the original Toppesfield Manor now known as Toppesfield Hall.
The Manor of Toppesfield dates back to pre-1086; it was listed in the Domesday Book as being held by a “Free-woman".
he Council owns and maintains a number of playgrounds and playing fields throughout the districts. We hope you enjoy visiting these facilities. Please treat them and other users with respect.
Bildeston
Great Cornard
Great Waldingfield
Hadleigh
Lavenham
Long Melford
Pinewood
Sudbury