Stratford St Mary is a charming village in Suffolk, situated within the beautiful Dedham Vale, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)..

 

  • The village is bordered by Essex and the River Stour, with most of it lying to the west of the A12 trunk road. However, the Parish extends east towards Dedham (marked by the river) and north to the B1068 road to Higham. The village contains a designated conservation area, preserving its unique character.
  •  
  • For nature enthusiasts, the Parish offers an extensive network of footpaths that cover various landscapes, including lanes, open fields, riverside walks, and village paths. These footpaths are marked with yellow arrow markers and signposted where they leave main roads.
  •  
  • Notably, two significant county paths, the Essex Way (Epping to Harwich) and The Stour Valley Path (Newmarket to Cattawade), pass through the Parish. Access to both these paths can be found at the Weir in Lower St.
  •  
  • The River Stour has a rich history as one of England's earliest navigable waterways, dating back to 1705. A restored lock at Stratford St Mary, located upriver from the old mill site and accessible via the new footbridge at the Weir, is a testament to its historical significance.
  •  
  • Our village has even inspired literature, as the author of 'Tarka the Otter' found inspiration from observing an otter playing in the Stour at Stratford St Mary. Today, otters can still be spotted from the River Garden in Lower Street and the area between the restored lock and the weir.
  •  

  • Fishing enthusiasts can obtain permits for fishing along the river section between the Weir and the River Garden. These permits can be acquired at the Post Office or purchased online ( https://www.gov.uk/fishing-licences or Call 0344 800 5386)

  • Some fishing rights are owned by Colchester Piscatorial Society. (https://cpsangling.co.uk)

If you wish to row a boat, canoe, or paddleboard on the river, you must possess a valid license from the Environment Agency or demonstrate membership in British Canoing or an approved body. https://www.riverstourtrust.org/boat-trips/paddling-the-river-stour/

  • NB. Links to external websites are outside the control of Stratford St Mary Parish Council