You could argue that change is a distinct characteristic of Suffolk, it’s certainly one reason I’ve found it so fascinating to photograph here over the last seven years. We have a constantly changing soft coastline, of course, and the cycles of the arable farming year mean much of our landscape looks different every year, month, even week!

Kenton Hills, Sizewell.

But there are changes underway in the coastal belt that are unusually profound, even for Suffolk. And these are the kind of changes that can affect people’s wellbeing and cause fractures in communities. They also bring opportunities and benefits and it might be argued that the sensible thing to do is to focus on these, rather than the negative changes and losses. But before people can do that they need time and opportunity to process complex feelings about the profound changes that have been imposed upon them.  

Simon, Graham and Robin Bingham, Farnham.

We're now called ‘NIMBY’s (Not-In-My-BackYard) if we don’t passively accept national infrastructure projects arriving on our doorsteps, no matter how negatively they impact our lives and plans, our property values and lifestyle choices. We all know that bottling up feelings like anger and resentment can have a massive negative effect on our wellbeing, potentially leading to symptoms of mental ill-health such as anxiety and depression, and physical ill-health as well. Some people might feel that they should accept change quietly because it is in the national interest, or even of global importance, when considering the urgent need to move to a low-carbon future. 

Rescue Archaeology, Yoxford.

I love hearing people's stories, so I'm inviting Suffolk people to tell me about the ways in which NSIP works (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects) are impacting their lives, good or bad. So their experiences can be seen and heard. There are currently academic research projects underway that aim to 'generate critical data-driven insights' on the impacts of Sizewell C works on the local community. On the other hand my work will only record and share the way individuals feel and their personal stories. People are not data-points, and I believe there should be room for projects that treat people with kindness, as individuals with a need for personal expression.

Jenni Fleetwood, Abbey Road, Leiston.

In the long-term, this project will constitute a valuable record of the impacts of a national infrastructure project on local communities and individuals, and an important moment in the counties' history. I am working with Suffolk Archives to ensure the project complies with best practise for oral history recording. Their fantastic headquarters 'The Hold' in Ipswich will be the main repository for the completed project.

Lover's Lane, Leiston.

It works like this: I'll usually come to you or we meet at an agreed place. Then it's really just a friendly and supportive chat where you get to tell me your story, preferably over a cup of tea. To make it easier, I have a list of standard questions. I can let you have these in advance if required. If you're comfortable doing so, we'll also take a few pictures; at home or in a place that has some significance for you and to your story. The whole thing can take from one to two hours.

After our meeting, I'll write a short summary of the interview, which you will check and approve. You can then choose where, what, and how much or little, you want to share. The only thing I will ask is that, at the minimum, you sign an agreement that allows me to place your recorded interview in Suffolk Archives for future access. This can even be anonymous if you prefer.

Please get in touch if you're interested in discussing this further. The best way is on email richard@thesuffolkproject.co.uk but you could also call on 07816162631 or send a message on instagram.

Jo Chapman, Lover's Lane, Leiston.