Habitat management work began in the autumn of 2023.

We have begun a programme of species monitoring, as a starting point for our habitat management plans, aiming to improve the site for biodiversity.

What have we achieved?

• Creation of safe access into the site to allow habitat management work to be carried out

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

• Construction of a board walk to allow access across the site 

• A boat ramp has been installed to allow access to the centre of the pond

• Gapping-up of hedge around perimeter where necessary, using appropriate local native species, to create dense hedge from the base, providing a wildlife corridor for mammals suitable nesting and sheltering sites for birds 

• Cleared an area of scrub to create grasslane

• Removal of debris and overgrown vegetation from pond has begun, with guidance from Norfolk Pond Project

• Selective felling/pruning of trees over pond to allow light to penetrate

• Creation of log piles from felled saplings or coppicing to provide habitat for invertebrates

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

• Selective ivy control/removal 

What are our future plans?

• Continue to maintatin paths to allow access for monitoring and habitat managements work

• Secure boundary with post & wire fencing as necessary

• Appropriate management of existing hedgerow 

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

• Dispose of any historical fly-tipping waste

• Continue to clear debris and overgrown vegetation from pond

• Erect bird and 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 

• Carry out a programme of species monitoring