Tunstall Common itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a beautiful fragment of the ancient sandling dry lowland heath that was once extensive across this area of coastal Suffolk. It lies next to Tunstall Forest, which was started in the 1920s as a pine plantation. In the Great Storm of 1987, Tunstall Forest lost thousands of trees and the opportunity was taken to diversify the mix of trees planted. The area of the Common has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a haven for wildlife, including fallow deer and muntjac.
The Common is managed through a High Level Stewardship Scheme with Natural England and work is undertaken by local contractors and volunteers
On the Common during 2013 we were very lucky to see a Parrot Crossbill, very rarely seen in this country and a credit to the recent land managment that has been undertaken (for pictures please visit our Gallery)
We are aware of what a gem we have in the Common and we are very keen to keep it special. If you visit the Common please treat it with the greatest respect; if possible park in the village and walk in order that the land is not damaged by parking. If you see any problems on the Common please report these immediately to the Parish Clerk on 01394 411405 or the Common Warden Kevin Ross on 01728 688676
