Bustard Green Grazing Project
Lowland Meadows are a rare habitat in the UK. They require continual regular management, typically grazing, to maintain their special wildlife interest. The meadow at Bustard Green was on the verge of being lost as a result of scrub encroachment due to the cessation of grazing, and a nationally rare species (sulphur clover) would appear to have become extinct in recent years.
Bustard Green is a rare example of
a flower-rich unimproved meadow, and until recently (1995)
supported a population of the nationally rare plant sulpher clover
(UK Red Data List).
Re-establishing grazing was
essential to safeguarding the meadow and hopefully encourage the
return of sulphur clover.
The project aimed to restore the UK
BAP Lowland meadow and surrounding UK BAP Ancient and/or
species-rich hedgerows, through working with the local community
(six housholds) to undertake initial capital work, e.g. removal of
scrub and purchase of essential grazing equipment such as drinking
troughs and temporary fencing, ultimately restoring traditional
grazing to the site. A management plan,
developed with the local community, would provide ongoing
habitat management advice to ensure the Local Wildlife Site is
managed sustainably in the future.
The aims of the project
outline above has been achieved and exceeded.
The community have worked together
to implement the project. They have ownership and continue to
manage the project with occasional liaison with professional staff
at Essex Wildlife Trust. Over the period of the project some
initial residents have moved on but they have been replaced by new
residents who are engaged in the project and the project is now
self sustaining.
The residents of Bustards Green
have acheived:
c.200m of dense encroaching
hedge/scrub have been removed.
Livestock equipment and sundries
were purchased
Small pond/ditch line cleared of
overhanging scrub willow to improve environment for aquatic flora
and fauna, particularly to support the Great crested newt
population.
Raised profile and 'ownership' of
site amongst the residents group and the wider parish community
Increased wildlife/biodiversity
benefits
Improved landscape character and
views from/into the site
Mark Iley, Biodiversity Coordinator
at EWT said: "This is a superb example of what a community can do
with support to safeguard and enhance rare and threatened wildlife.
We are extremely grateful for the support received from Viridor
Credits which has enabled the six households on the green to work
together and manage a small sheep grazing project."
