Welcome to Ardleigh

The Unwavering Spirit of Ardleigh

Ardleigh, continuously settled since the   pre-Roman period, is a thriving community of over 2,700 residents plus businesses. Surrounded by farmland, Ardleigh boasts a vibrant village life. Our residents cherish their rural setting and have shown remarkable resilience and engagement in facing contemporary challenges, working to protect and enhance our way of life.

Having grown by 35% since 2011, Ardleigh is currently facing unprecedented (proposed) changes:

• Ardleigh is the epicentre of National Grid’s Norwich to Tilbury proposals, which would        surround our medieval village with 50m high pylons, cabling, infrastructure and substations.
• Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community, bringing 1,500 (of 9,000) new        dwellings to Ardleigh.
• Essex Minerals Plan, identifying seven further quarry sites—more than any other parish.

These proposals have galvanised and united residents, with many hundreds involved in public consultations, meetings, and representations.

Since 2020, the Neighbourhood Plan has   provided a positive focus on shaping Ardleigh's future. Councillors and   members of the public worked together to ensure that the final plan, currently awaiting referendum, reflects the collective vision of residents. 

Community groups, both formal and informal, play a crucial role in supporting residents and fostering a sense   of belonging. The ‘Ardleigh Advertiser’, delivered by volunteers, keeps everyone informed about local events and initiatives such as the annual Horticultural Society show.

Longstanding institutions such as the church, primary school, GP surgery and pre-school are cornerstones of community life. During the pandemic, a joint group with neighbouring Dedham   ensured support for those in need. The village archivist preserves Ardleigh’s rich history, fostering a sense of continuity and identity.

Newer traditions, such as Kings and Queens of Ardleigh, where Santa delivers donated hampers to older residents, strengthen bonds across generations. In 2023, we held our first ‘Community   Showcase’ for local groups to promote opportunities to residents, enabling new groups to form while strengthening existing ones.

Village events bring the community together. The Platinum Jubilee and Coronation celebrations featured family   fun days on the Millennium Green, beacon lighting, dancing and bunting (with   plenty of cake). The forthcoming D-Day events promise to be another memorable   occasion, reflecting the village's respect for its history.

Environmental stewardship is another   hallmark of Ardleigh’s community spirit and pride, with personal litter   picking kits distributed free to residents. A new group, APACE (Ardleigh   Practical Actions on Climate and Environment), came together following work on community ambitions during the Neighbourhood Plan and now leads hands-on environmental initiatives.

Ardleigh Parish Council stands as a   robust advocate for the village, proactively representing residents'   interests while providing crucial services such as the Village Hall,   recreation/play areas, and Cemetery. Whether initiating judicial review proceedings to prevent an unwanted 24-hour warehouse on farmland or organising public meetings and community consultations, our Parish Council ensures Ardleigh’s voice is heard.

In summary, Ardleigh’s greatness lies in its strong sense of community, rich history, and forward-looking approach to contemporary challenges. Our collective spirit ensures that Ardleigh not only preserves its unique character but also continues to thrive in the face of adversity.