Nature enhancement update – September 2024

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Nature enhancement is a key part of our ongoing work to conserve and enhance the Dedham Vale National Landscape & Stour Valley. 

Here is a round-up from all of our nature enhancement projects and volunteer work parties for September 2024.

For more information about any of our nature enhancement work, you can email alex.mooredaluz@suffolkandessex-NL.org.uk.

1 Project Scoping Chad Brook

In the field of river restoration, it’s essential to always be ahead of the game and scope out projects well in advance, in order to secure funding.

I spent a day scoping out potential natural flood management / biodiversity enhancing riparian projects on the Chad Brook. The hope is we may be able to secure some funds to pay for projects in 25/26.

There is real potential to carry out some climate change adaption measures which will make better use of flood water in terms of flood alleviation and significantly enhancing biodiversity in the floodplain.

2 Building Stag Beetle Pyramids in Raydon

More fantastic habitat was created for stag beetles in Raydon. Great work from our volunteer team again!

3 Tiger Hill Local Nature Reserve

More great work went on at the fantastic Tiger Hill Local Nature Reserve where volunteers helped to erect fencing to steer muntjac off into different areas of the wood.

The plan is to create a thick, shrub layer under the tree canopy full of bramble and honeysuckle which will benefit the Dedham Vale National Landscape flagship species, the hazel dormouse, and other priority species too such as the nightingale.

4 Sighting of the Month – Common Toad (Bufo bufo)

Continuing with the amphibian theme from last month it was fantastic to see a toad hopping through the wet woodland whilst we made deer fencing at Tiger Hill Local Nature Reserve.

5 Upcoming tasks

  • 04/10/24 – Blackthorn hedge coppicing at Golden Wood in Shotley Gate
  • 11/10/24 – Rhododendron / snowberry control at a wood in Polstead
  • 18/10/24 – Heathland management, clearing gorse and cutting heather at Bixley Heath, Ipswich
  • 25/10/24 – Lodge rhododendron control in East Bergholt
  • 01/11/24 – Heathland management at Sizewell
  • 08/11/24 – Lodge rhododendron control in East Bergholt
  • 15/11/24 – Plantation thinning at Trimley Marshes