Working Together to Improve Norfolk's Wildlife
Access
Post-code: NR28 0LW
What3Words: liked.tripling.talker
OS Map Reference: TG 238 266
Directions: From the A140 take the B1145 east, and turn south along Tuttington Road and into Common Lane. Turn right into Beck Lane and travel 0.8 miles. Stow Heath is to the south of Beck Lane, and is accessed over a gated track from the road.
There is no public access at this site while habitat restoration work is underway
Habitat
Stow Heath comprises three acres of dense woodland and scrub, including species such as Field Maple and Alder with several ancient banks. There are a number of linked overgrown ponds with dead wood, fed by becks on the north and east boundaries; these have the potential to provide habitat for Great-crested Newts. Stow Heath is surrounded by arable land, and represents an oasis for wildlife. Prior to Felbeck Trust taking on the management of Stow Heath, no habitat management work had been undertaken for some years, and the site is in need of sensitive management to improve the habitat for the benefit of wildlife.
Habitat Management
Habitat management work began in the autumn of 2023.
As a starting point for our habitat management plans, a programme of species monitoring has been begun.
What are our future plans?
Create and maintain a network of paths which provide access for habitat management and monitoring work
Replace vehicular gate if necessary, and install pedestrian gate
Secure boundary with post & wire fencing as necessary
Gap up hedge around perimeter where necessary, using appropriate local native species, to create dense hedge from the base, providing suitable nesting and sheltering sites for birds, and a wildlife corridor for mammals
Appropriate management of existing hedgerow
Dispose of any historical fly-tipping waste
Selective thinning or coppicing to let in light and encourage trees to regenerate, creating a succession of heights and maturity to benefit wildlife
Selective clearance to create grassland/wildflower area and habitat for butterflies
Remove debris and overgrown vegetation from pond, with guidance from Norfolk Pond Project
Selective felling/pruning of trees over ponds to allow light to penetrate, with guidance from Norfolk Pond Project
Create log piles from felling/coppicing to provide habitat for invertebrates
Other felled or sawn branches to be left in situ to encourage fungi and invertebrates
Selective ivy control/removal
Erect bird and bat boxes as appropriate
Erect relevant interpretive signage, subject to funding and any approvals
Continue species monitoring programme