Habitat management work began in the spring of 2023.

What have we achieved?

• As a starting point for our habitat management plans to improve the site for biodiversity, we have begun a programme of species monitoring 

• Created access into the site to allow habitat management work to be carried out

• Installation of bridges to allow access around the whole site

• Creation of a network of paths which provide access for conservation and monitoring work 

• Installation of a pedestrian gate 

• Disposal of historical fly-tipping waste

• Removal of debris and overgrown vegetation from pools to allow light to penetrate

• Improvement of ditches between pools to encourage water flow and create appropriate habitat.

• Installation of sluices to control water flow

• Creation of log piles and brash heaps from felling/coppicing to provide habitat for invertebrates, mammals and birds

• Other felled or sawn branches left in situ to encourage fungi and invertebrates

• Erection of bird boxes

What are our future plans?

• Maintain the network of paths, providing access for conservation and monitoring work 

• Secure boundary with post & wire fencing as necessary

• Appropriate management of existing hedgerow

• Selective thinning or coppicing to let in light and encourage trees to regenerate, creating a succession of heights and maturity, to benefit wildlife 

• Cut areas of scrub on a rotational basis to maintain scrub habitat

• Removal of garden escapes    

• Selective felling/pruning of trees over ponds to allow light to penetrate, with guidance from Norfolk Pond Project

• Selective ivy control/removal 

• Erect bat boxes as appropriate

• Consider potential SuDs (sustainable drainage systems) to manage road runoff to protect the water bodies from pollution

• Erect relevant interpretive signage, subject to funding and any approvals 

• Continue species monitoring