Hadleigh Society has scooped a Suffolk Heritage Champion Award, presented by the Suffolk Preservation Society (SPS), in recognition of its work in protecting the historic natural environment of Hadleigh's Bacon Lane – a late medieval sunken track.

The Society was nominated for the award by local residents who appreciated its efforts in helping to safeguard the lane from potential developmental pressures.

It helped facilitate a grant from The Tree Council to enable residents and volunteers from Hadleigh Environmental Action Team, (HEAT) to re-establish hedging and trees along parts of the ancient bridleway.

Bacon Lane hedging (Picture: Contributed)

The SPS citation (in full below) highlighted the "valuable contribution" of Hadleigh Society members in carrying out detailed research at the Hadleigh Archive to establish that Bacon Lane was, in fact, an ancient "holloway", deserving special status as a non-designated heritage asset. The lane has been added to Hadleigh's Local List of properties and places that are important to the history and social culture of the town.

"The Award is a great accolade to the work the society carries out on behalf of the town and recognises the efforts of local residents and the HEAT team," said Richard Fletcher, Hadleigh Society chairman.

The Suffolk Heritage Champion Award will be presented to Hadleigh Society at a special ceremony at Heveningham Hall on 18h July 2024 . 

Award winner: The Hadleigh Society for protecting and researching an ancient landform or "Hollow way"

Nominated by Susan Clements on behalf of Residents Group

The Hadleigh Holloway, formerly known as Bacon Lane or rather less flatteringly as Bridleway Number 11 (north of Hadleigh off Gallows Hill and Castle Road) overlooks the Brett River Valley, is tree lined and possibly Medieval in date. The Hadleigh Society agreed with local residents that it should be considered for inclusion in the Local List on the basis of the Town's Social and Agricultural development. It is also recognised as being an important local archaeological feature and was formally added to the Hadleigh Local List in September 2023 and the Suffolk Historic Environment Record. 

Accordingly, the special historic and cultural importance of the Bacon Lane "Holloway" must now be taken into account when looking at planning applications, thus affording it some level of protection. 

The Hadleigh Society, with the assistance of Hadleigh Archive carried out detailed studies using both old and new maps and historic records and documentation to investigate further. The local community feel that the Society is deserving of this award given the time expended by a really small team of volunteers. 

Richard Fletcher

·      The Hadleigh Society was formed in 1982 with its primary aim: To protect and enhance Hadleigh's heritage and environment by supporting and promoting high standards in planning, conservation, regeneration and development of features deemed to be of historical or environmental significance in the town.

For further information contact:-

Richard Fletcher, chair & secretary of the Hadleigh Society  [email protected]   T 07856 899367: