Black Belt

Wood, Forest in Suffolk West Suffolk

England

Black Belt

Newmarket Road, Risby Credit: David Howard

Black Belt, Suffolk, also known as Wood or Forest, is a region located in Suffolk County, England. It is characterized by its dense woodland areas, which cover a significant portion of the landscape. The name "Black Belt" refers to the rich, dark soil found in the region, which is ideal for agricultural purposes.

The woodlands of Black Belt, Suffolk are home to a variety of tree species, including oak, ash, beech, and birch. These forests provide a habitat for numerous wildlife species, such as deer, foxes, badgers, and a diverse array of bird species. The area is also known for its rich biodiversity, with many rare and protected plant and animal species found within its boundaries.

The Black Belt region has a long history of human settlement, with evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years. The woodlands have been utilized for various purposes throughout history, including timber production, hunting, and recreational activities. Today, the forests are managed sustainably, balancing the needs of conservation and local communities.

The Black Belt, Suffolk, attracts visitors from near and far who come to explore its picturesque landscapes and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. The region also offers opportunities for educational programs and research, with several organizations working to preserve and study the unique natural environment.

Overall, Black Belt, Suffolk is a captivating region, renowned for its pristine woodlands and diverse wildlife. It continues to be a cherished part of the Suffolk County, providing a valuable ecosystem and a source of enjoyment for both locals and visitors alike.

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Black Belt Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.271614/0.58135321 or Grid Reference TL7666. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Newmarket Road, Risby

David Howard

Newmarket Road, Risby

David Howard

Stubble field near A14

Hugh Venables

Minor road away from A14

Hugh Venables

Footpath to Robin's Hall

Hugh Venables

Footpath to Heath Farm

Hugh Venables

Sugar beet field near A14

Hugh Venables

Higham village sign

Suffolk has 400 villages and towns with village or town signs, give or take one or two. The tradition of village signs is believed to have started in Norfolk early in the 20th century when Edward VII suggested that village signs would aid motorists and give a feature of interest on the Sandringham Estate. Many of the signs were made by Harry Carter, an art and woodwork master at Hamond’s Grammar School, in Swaffham. Many have now been replaced with fibreglass or modern plastics. The story behind the sign is given as accurately as possible.

Bob Mitchell

Minor road to Cavenham

Hugh Venables

Houses north of Higham

Evelyn Simak

Former goods shed at Higham railway station (closed)

Evelyn Simak

Former goods shed at Higham railway station (closed)

The building now houses a shop selling lamps and lighting.

Evelyn Simak

Railway buildings at Higham station (closed)

Evelyn Simak

Victorian postbox at Higham railway station

For a wider view of this location see > Link.

Evelyn Simak

Former Smithy at Higham

Evelyn Simak

St Stephen's church in Higham

For more information go to: Link.

Evelyn Simak

The A14 near Barrow Bottom

Helen Steed

Eastbound A14, Exit for Tuddenham

The A14 is a major road which runs for 129 miles from the Port of Felixstowe to the Catthorpe Interchange, the junction of the M1 and M6 motorways near Rugby. The route linking Rugby (and therefore the West Midlands and the north of England via the motorway network) to East Anglia and the ports of Felixstowe and Harwich is incredibly important and incredibly busy (Felixstowe is the UK's principal container port and the A14 is the road between Felixstowe and everywhere else) but it didn't exist in any coherent form until about 1992. Prior to the current A14 the main route from Birmingham to the Haven ports followed the old A45 road via Coventry, Rugby, Northampton, St Neots, Cambridge and then through all the towns on the A14, from there to Ipswich where it ended on the A12 – not the fast route required for transporting goods across the country with the sudden rise in container shipping during the latter part of the twentieth century. Most of the current A14 route is a collection of bits of dual carriageway acquired from other roads (most notably the A45) with occasional stretches of new road to bolt it all together. Because of its importance to the country’s economy, there are plans to upgrade it further. Prior to its use for the current route the A14 designation had been used for a section of road between the A10 at Royston and the A1 at Alconbury following part of the route of the Roman road, Ermine Street, which is now mostly designated as the A1198. The only bit of the current A14 that follows that number's original route is the spur linking junction 23 to the A1. Link