The main habitat we are planning to create is good condition other neutral grassland through arable reversion, and enhancement of the existing native hedgerows, wet woodland and scrub. The habitats to be enhanced (grassland, scrub, wet woodland and hedgerow) will be through appropriate management using grazing and mechanical means.
The key habitat management tool in this option would be arable reversion to create permanent grassland with high biodiversity value.
A clean, stale seed bed will be prepared, and the soil harrowed to remove any compaction. Seeds should be broadcast on the soil, preferably in the autumn. The newly sown grassland will need to be managed carefully in the first couple of years after establishment to control vigorous grasses and weed growth. Thereafter, the grassland should be managed through grazing or an annual hay cut.
Hedgerows act as wildlife corridors, benefitting mammal species, birds and reptiles and link existing hedgerows and woodland bordering the site, which is currently quite isolated from other similar habitats. Improved management will be used to keep the hedgerows dense and bushy, by trimming every 1-2 years between October and February, to avoid nesting birds.
