Rendlesham & Orford

Rendlesham & Orford ward encompasses a distinct area of coastal Suffolk, characterised by its mixture of forest and estuary landscapes. The ward includes the modern village of Rendlesham, set within the large expanse of Rendlesham Forest, known for its network of walking and cycling trails. To the east lies the historic village of Orford, situated on a peninsula at the mouth of the River Ore. This geography creates a quiet, rural environment with a focus on outdoor recreation and local heritage.

The area is defined by the shifting shingle spit of Orford Ness, a long nature reserve managed by the National Trust, which is reached by a short ferry crossing from Orford quay. Inland, the landscape is largely agricultural, dotted with farms and smaller hamlets. The ward's settlements are separate but linked, with local life revolving around the forest, the river, and the small businesses serving the resident communities.