“in an increasingly urbanised county, we can manage our green spaces so that people live happier, healthier lives”

Essex Wildlife Trust CO5 7RZ

Telephone: 01621 862960 Email: [email protected] Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 210065

Protecting Wildlife for the Future Case studies 6 Rationale andmapcreated vision for Essex u u u u u 2 Map ofLivingL Definition Contents on sur 10 and w Hanningfield r oigVle edw 11 8 7 valley Heath complex oods andscapes eserv i 9 oir Living Landscape 4 The lossofhabitatsandspeciesfor Essex Heathland Poplar Black Skylark V Water meado Flower Thrush Song marshes Coastal oles Landscapes? What areLiving for bothwildlife andpeople.” “Whole landscapesthatarebeingrestored ws q q q q q q q The Only 200mature and 1991 Ov the mid1970’s remains isTiptree Heath,just25hectares w pr In 1777whenthefirst mapofEssex was in ourcountr Skylark 94% of been lost W 2000, thisisourf a e ha oduced y er 90%of y fr Song Thrush Landscape orDedhamVale asa River Valley LivingLandscape orthe Pictur they benefitbothwildlife andthepeoplewholive there. areaspartners sothattheseimportant canfunctionasawholeso landscapes backtolife; towork withawiderange of owners and The visionofLivingLandscapes istobringthesefragmented hedgerows andheaths. f Living Landscapes are large areas like ofthecountryside river valleys, orested ridges,wholeestuariesordiverse mosaicsofgrasslands, om ColchestertoMaldon, now all that ve lost72%of W numbers halved between 1969 e EppingForest asagoodexample ofaWoodland Living ater V ou couldw wild flo y oles astest decliningmammal Black Poplar has declinedby73%since coastal mar wer meadows had beenlostinEsse alk on heathland trees stillremain shes ha since 1930 ve ve all the x by E hasmapped80LivingLandscape Areas across and peoplewillbenefit. By bringingthesefragmented landscapesbacktolife, bothwildlife only 25hectares ofheathlandremain. swathe ofpurpleconnectingColchestertoMaldon:whereas today its marshland. ImagineTiptree Heathasitwas 150years ago–a majestic Forest whichhaslostmuchof ortheCrouch Estuary l of theseare now fragmented andbecomingdisconnectedfrom their There are manyotherlarge landscapeareas inEssex, however many immensely proud ofthearea. and they are well connectedtothelocalcommunities whichare Landscapes have large richinwildlife areas of highqualityhabitat, LivingLandscape. TheseLiving asanEstuary Colne Estuary Environment AgencyandNatural ,large businesseslike communities andLocal Authorities,organisations like the It willinvolve Essex Wildlife Trust working togetherwithlocal wide range oflandowners inarange ofdifferent ways. This isanexciting challengebecauseitwillinvolve working witha quality oflife from it. sothey takecountryside canwork prideinitandgainbetter for it, flourish; restore theinvolvement oflocalpeoplewiththeir on theground. We needtorestore habitatssothatwildlife can we Next needtoreconnect habitatsandlocalpeople is onlyastart. The Essex LivingLandscapes mapisapowerful vision–butthemap together acr maps andthebigpicture isaseriesofLivingLandscapes linked ocal communities.Look atthefragmented woods of the former ssex. AllotherWildlife Trusts across theUKare producing similar oss thelengthandbreadth oftheUK. on Essex LivingLandscapes. Her good qualityoflife. ecosystem services,i.e.goodqualityofwater, airandsoils a goodLivingLandscapewhatare willsupport calledgood people too.We are dependentontheecologyofourlocalareas and What isgoodfor wildlife inaLivingLandscape willbegoodfor u u u u u u T course manyfundingorganisations. water companies,smallbusinessesandprivate landowners andof he LivingLandscapes Visioninvolves: e w establishing long term commitmentsrather livedestablishing longterm thanshort gains. relaxation; as they gainimproved for opportunities recreation and delivering addedvalue suchashealthbenefitsfor localpeople climate changeandlandusechange; move through the landscapeandsurvive suchpressures as acrossenabling permeability thelandscapesothatwildlife can economy; through communityinvolvement orimprovements tothelocal delivering environmental benefitsfor localpeople,often landscapes; enhancing connectionsandreconnecting fragmented e engaging localcommunities,providing information and other areas givingmanagementadvice,changingor approach –insomeareasa multi-disciplinary buyingland,in ducation; e giv e some x cellent e z xamples ofthework we have begun 3 x e s s e Living Landscapes

1 Chalky Grassland: Strethall to Chrishall 2 Commons and verges: Langley to Manuden 3 Oxlip Woods: Shadwell to Hales 4 Oxlip Woods: Bendish to Hempstead 5 Oxlip Woods: Rowney to West 6 Oxlip Woods: Stansted 7 Upper Chelmer: Dunmow 8 9 Pincey Valley 10 Stort Valley 11 Stort Valley: 12 Lea Valley 13 Parndon Woods: Harlow 14 Cobbins Woods 15 16 17 Lower Roding: M25 to 18 Upper Roding: to M25 19 Havering and Brentwood Ridge 20 Beam Valley 21 22 Tylers Common 23 Thorndon Woods 24 , Wennington and Rainham Marshes 25 Belhus Woods 26 Valley 27 Fen 28 Grassland and Marshes 29 Mucking Grassland and Marshes 30 31 Wat Tyler Complex 32 Nevendon Mosaic 33 Upper Crouch 34 & Woods 35 Hanningfield & Woods 36 Writtle Forest 37 Common 38 Upper Chelmer 39 Ter Valley 40 Common 41 Lower Chelmer 42 Danbury Ridge 43 Hazeleigh Woods 44 Bushey Hill 45 Crouch and Roach Estuary 46 47 Hadleigh and Complex 48 Hadleigh Castle and Marshes 49 Southend Seafront and Maplin Sands 50 Thames Medway Gravels South 51 Thames Medway Gravels North 52 Dengie South 53 Dengie North 54 55 56 Blackwater Valley 57 Wickham Bishops Woods 58 Tiptree Heath Complex 59 Brain Valley 60 Pods Brook Valley 61 Pant Valley 62 Bovingdon and Marks Hall and Chalkney Woods 63 Colne Valley 64 Pebmarsh Spring Woods 65 Stour Valley 66 Stanway Complex 67 Birch Complex 68 Roman River Complex 69 70 Colne Estuary 71 Alresford Mineral Sites Complex 72 Tendring Woodlands Crown Copyright ©. All Rights Reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence Number: 100025798 73 Holland Brook Key networks by habitat 74 The Naze 75 Coastal and Woodland Mosaic and Corridor 76 Little Oakley 77 estuarine grassland 78 Hythe- 79 Foulness Islands 4 80 Cam Valley 5 y d u

Rationale and map created t s

Tiptree Heath complex

The Living Landscape areas were selected based on ecological concepts e and the importance of particular species and habitats. Living Landscape project 58 s a c

The mapping process which develops the Living populations of many species are more likely to die Landscapes map for Essex began with identifying the out when faced with such pressures as climate core areas of high quality habitat. These are often change. protected by such designations as Site of Special Smaller sites are also less likely to be recolonised Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) u when they are separated from large areas of and Local Wildlife Site (LoWS). Local knowledge was 58 habitat. then added which related to the main landscape features such as rivers, coastline and ridges. Local u Large sites are much more useful for a wide range heritage features have also been taken into account of human activities such as walking, jogging, as have the proximity to local centres of population cycling, horse riding, educational field studies, and local growth areas. recreational pursuits. The economics of countryside businesses such as tourism, Tiptree Heath lies between Colchester and on These have been assembled in different GIS countryside sports, visitor facilities and a ridge of glacial sand and gravel. It is the largest (Geographical Information System) layers on top of agriculture are much more resilient when sited surviving fragment of lowland heath 60 acres (25 ha) the Ordnance Survey maps. within a large landscape area. in the county and shows the complete succession from acidic grassland and dwarf shrub heath (three There are many pieces of research which demonstrate Living Landscapes… overall it is about creating large, species of heather) through gorse and birch scrub to that a larger connected landscape is better for wildlife well connected, wildlife rich areas which are highly secondary woodland. than smaller fragmented areas. For example: valued by the local communities which live and work in them and by visitors which come to enjoy them. It A tenfold increase in the area of a piece of British Tiptree Heath complex is: u is about ensuring the landscape and its ecosystem woodland will lead to about double the number of services are functioning well so they are robust An Essex Biodiversity Action Plan habitat. bird species. u enough to deal with climate change and land use u A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). u Smaller sites have been shown to be less resilient change so they can provide long term benefits for than larger sites – isolation means that small both wildlife and local communities. u Supporting a number of rare plants in Essex. Delivering a range of benefits for wildlife, people and the local economy. Overall, it is about creating large, u Tiptree Heath is the largest remaining lowland interconnected, wildlife-rich areas all heathland in Essex and offers local people the optimising their biodiversity through opportunity to enjoy some fantastic green space and the wildlife around them. good management and ensuring that the u Tiptree Heath has been accepted into the Higher landscape is functioning at a level that Level Scheme (HLS) of Defra. This funding will support capital costs associated with the grazing will prevent local extinctions and robust project and ongoing habitat management over enough to adapt to climate change. the next ten years.

u A part-time warden has been employed by Essex Wildlife Trust and organises a number of health walks, educational visits, walks, talks and practical work parties on the Heath for a variety of ages and abilities.

u A local artist was awarded a grant to undertake a number of public art and community activities on the Heath.

u Essex Wildlife Trust, Essex Field Club and Colchester Natural History Society undertake biological recording on the site.

u Local schools have supported various work parties.

u The vision is to extend this to a much larger area of heathland to benefit a much larger 6 population. z 7 y y d d u u t t s s

Roman River valley Hanningfield e e s s

Living Landscape project 68 a a c c reservoir and woods u Includes a number of Essex Biodiversity Action 68 Plan habitats. Living Landscape project 35 u Includes a number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

u Encompasses a number of Local Wildlife Sites.

Delivering a range of benefits for wildlife, The Roman River is one of the best preserved river people and the local economy. valleys in Essex. This Living Landscape area covers 35 about 5,000 acres (2060 hectares). The river valley u A true Living Landscape, that over time with the has long been recognised as an important area for support and commitment of all of those involved wildlife, representing one of the densest can be managed to offer wildlife and people a concentrations of wildlife sites in the county. The really large area of green space in which many majority of the valley is in the ownership of a small species can thrive and people enjoy. number of farms and estates. The Defence Estates Hanningfield visitor centre and is at u The creation of the wetland habitat and bird hides the core of a Living Landscape. The reservoir itself is own around 32% of the project area mainly used for at Colchester Zoo will encourage visitors to military training purposes. 870 acres of standing water (reservoir) and 100 acres appreciate the natural environment. of mixed woodland with at least 30 acres comprising of . The total size of Hanningfield : u The vision is to coordinate biological information on the area to support land managers for reservoir and woods is 2,500 acres (about 1060 Supports a variety of nationally threatened hectares). The land and reservoir managed by Essex u inclusion into the Higher Level Scheme. z habitats including fen, lowland meadows, coastal Wildlife Trust and Essex & Suffolk Water account for and floodplain grazing marsh, lowland heathland, 1170 acres (480 hectares) i.e. about 46% of this area. lowland dry acid grassland and lowland mixed Essex Wildlife Trust would like to bring more private deciduous woodland. landowners, local businesses, schools and community groups to this vision to work together on a good future for the area. and woods include: A large Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). u u Work with local suppliers, contractors and service providers. u A nationally important site for breeding and wintering wildfowl. u An accreditation scheme for young people working towards a young conservationist u A large number of uncommon Essex plants and animals. qualification has been funded by HLF Young Roots Grant Scheme. u An important area for bats e.g. a maternity roost of over 350 Soprano Pipistrelle bats in the visitor u Over 100 volunteers freely give their time and centre roof. skills to support every aspect of our work for nature conservation on the site. Delivering a range of benefits for wildlife, people and the local economy. u A variety of community partners are involved in the management of the site, such as Essex u The visitor centre and nature reserves allow the and Suffolk Water, local parish councils, less able to access the site. fishing groups. 50,000 visitors are attracted to the site annually. u u The vision is to extend these benefits to a much larger area. u Educational activities are provided for over 3,500 z children and young people.

u Essex Wildlife Trust run courses, activities and events throughout the year for over 8,000 children and adults.

u Forest School programme for young people, youth services, secondary special and provisional schools across Essex. 8 9 y y d d u u t t s Roding Valley meadows s

Blackwater estuary e e s Living Landscape project 54 Lower Roding: Living Landscape project 17 s a a c c

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The Roding Valley meadows comprise the largest surviving areas of traditionally managed grassland in Essex, 120 acres (approx. 50 hectares). The site comprises of hay meadows, flood meadows and marsh. The Living Landscape area covers the length of the valley, which extends to about 6500 acres (2780 hectares). The area has been recognised as an important site for wildlife as the meadow and marsh communities u Home to hundreds of thousands of wetland birds, consist of a diverse assemblage of plant species, including Brent Geese, Dunlin, Knot, Shelduck many of which are uncommon in Essex. The nature and Redshank. reserve is adjacent to the urban fringe and provides an opportunity for people to safely access the An important fishery containing important stocks u countryside and enjoy the rich tapestry of wildlife of oysters, Cockles, Sole, Herring, Bass, Mullet within the reserve. 54 and Eels. Community involvement and partnership approaches Delivering a range of benefits for wildlife, ensure the site is working for wildlife and people. The people and the local economy. Management Group, which includes three Councils, Essex Wildlife Trust, Grange The large realignment project demonstrates what In 2000, with the support of several organisations and u Farm Trust and local interest groups, have to take can be done to tackle the problems of rising sea a large legacy, Essex Wildlife Trust purchased Abbotts account of the many different legitimate users of the level and coastal squeeze. Hall Farm situated on the Blackwater Estuary. It was nature reserve. here they managed a coastal defence and Improved water quality of the estuary results from realignment project, the largest of its kind, which u Roding Valley is: Local businesses are involved with the site using new reedbeds for cleaning sewerage water. u resulted in five breaches cut into the sea-wall in 2002. through producing interpretation, undertaking One of the most important areas of riverside This allowed salt-water irrigation to create new Provided 50 hectares of restored high tide u some of the habitat management and capital u grassland in Essex. saltmarshes, coastal grazing, reedbeds and saline navigable water for small craft. improvements. lagoons. The remainder of the farm is now devoted to An Essex Biodiversity Action Plan habitat. Over 5km of new public footpaths have already u Essex Wildlife Trust and Essex Field Club sustainable agriculture methods and habitat u u been provided. A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and undertake biological recording in the area. improvement, including the reinstatement of u also supports a number of plants rare in Essex. hedgerows, ditches, copses and field margins. u The opportunity for ecotourism is being explored u Local schools support various work parties. not only directly at this site, but by joining up with Delivering a range of benefits for wildlife, Students participate in field work and This area of the Blackwater is: the adjacent landowners. people and the local economy. u publish articles. Of international importance for nature conservation The site is an important provider of habitat for fish A warden is employed by Essex Wildlife Trust with u u u The vision is to extend this work to a wider area with extensive areas covered by statutory fry, in particular commercial fish such as herring the support of Epping Forest District Council to u along Roding Valley. designations – Ramsar site, Special Protected Area and bass. Research and Development is now in achieve benefits for both people and wildlife (SPA) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). place to develop an EU wide estuary fish which use and value Roding Valley. monitoring. u The largest estuary in Essex, north of the Thames u A number of health walks, educational visits, and one of the largest estuarine complexes in East u The vision is to extend these demonstration ideas walks and talks and practical work parties are Anglia covering over 10,000 acres (4100 hectares). to a wider area in this Living Landscape. z run for a variety of ages and abilities.

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