Straddling the boundary between Norfolk and
Suffolk, the Waveney Valley is one of lowland
England’s treasures. From the source of the
River Waveney, near the timeless Redgrave and
Lopham Fen, to its confluence with the River
Yare below historic Burgh Castle, the river winds
its way through an agricultural landscape of
great antiquity.
Along its meandering course,
magnificent churches and timber-framed
buildings peep through trees or punctuate a
horizon of wide skies, marking settlements and
farmsteads and the delightful market towns of
Diss, Harleston, Bungay, and Beccles.
The WaveneyValley means different things
to different people. To some it is the low-lying
and gently sloping lands immediately beside the
River Waveney. To others it includes parishes
and settlements expanding well away from the
river’s course. For most it is more of a general
‘idea’, with no particular boundary at all.
In no way does this detract from the charms of
this un-crowded slice of England, or from the
passions of those who identify with the character
and quality of this simply delightful place.
Ian Carstairs’ photographic journey along the
Norfolk and Suffolk border forms a perfect
souvenir for visitors and residents alike who take
the time to discover that the best of rural
England is alive and well, throughout the
Waveney Valley.
Ian Carstairs has been widely involved, both
voluntarily and professionally, with the natural,
built and cultural heritage of town and countryside
and has spearheaded many major
conservation and community projects and
campaigns. Ian has used photography extensively
as an essential tool in his work, and is the
author of several of Halsgrove’s books, notably
on the North York Moors, Yorkshire Coast,York,
Hull, The River Derwent and Saving Cornfield
Flowers. He was made an OBE for services
to the heritage and awarded the National
Federation of Anglers’ Gold Medal and the
‘Golden Scale’, the mark of the Golden Scale
Club for his contribition to the conservation of
rivers. Ian lives in Harleston.
Imprint: Halsgrove. ISBN 978 1 84114 869 4, hardback, 214x230mm, 144 pages. Published March 2010.
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