- Type: National Nature Reserve
- Location: Suffolk
In medieval times a large area of heath known as the Sandlings (on account of its dry sandy soils) stretched along the Suffolk coast. Today only about 20% of the heathland remains, the rest has been lost to modern farming and forestry.
More information:www.naturalengland.org.uk
- Type: National Nature Reserve
- Location: Kent
The reserve is renowned for its views over the Romney Marsh and Weald, and out to the Channel coast. The site is also widely known for landscape features such as the Devil's Kneading Trough, a dry, steep-sided valley formed by peri-glacial action near the end of the last ice age, and for being home to many orchid species.
More information:www.naturalengland.org.uk
- Distance or area: 549 hectares
- Type: National Nature Reserve
- Location: Worcestershire
The reserve overlies a plateau containing shales and sandstones of the Upper Carboniferous Coal Measures. The area is heavily faulted, giving rise to steep valleys. Wyre Forest has elements of both lowland and upland woodland and also contains a number of unimproved grassland meadows. Old orchards and areas of scrub also contribute to the variety of habitats present in the reserve.
More information:www.naturalengland.org.uk
- Distance or area: 1344 sq km
- Type: National Park
- Location: Wales
Before the invention of sophisticated satellite systems British monarchs relied on a system of early-warning fires to alert them of an imminent invasion. In South Wales, the pivotal point of this network, visible across fifteen counties, was Pen Y Fan. Over time the beacon leant its name to the entire range of hills extending to either side of it.
More information:www.beacons-npa.gov.uk
- Distance or area: 305 sq km
- Type: National Park
- Location: East of England
The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads is one of Britain’s finest wetlands. It is of international nature conservation importance covering an area of 303 square km, mainly within Norfolk, but with a small part in Suffolk. The dominant landscapes are expanses of water, grazing marshes, fens and wet woodlands.
More information:www.broads-authority.gov.uk