Enriching our landscape - an Essex success story
into higher hedges this would benefit species such as Yellowhammer, Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs,
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla, Garden Warbler Sylvia borin and Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca.
Conclusion
Modern farms may be able to support a number of breeding birds providing the ecological skeleton
between the fields is right. Recent results from the farm indicate that the Reed Bunting, Corn
Bunting and Yellowhammers were slightly up in numbers and the Skylark population remained
high. However, as with so many of Essex Wildlife Trust initiatives it is important to be practical if
it is to reach a wider audience and have a greater impact on wildlife. It is also important that the
farming operations remain economically sound and practical to every farmer, but at the same time
providing a valuable refuge for a variety of wildlife.
At a local level this project is improving our natural heritage and enriching our landscape. However,
more biodiversity work must continue county wide if our wildlife is to survive the enormous pressure
Essex will experience in years to come.
References
MAY, A. (2003) The largest coastal re-alignment in Europe - occurred in Essex. Essex Naturalist (New
Series) 20:108- 110.
BRERETON, T. (2004) Farming and butterflies in Britain. Biologist, 51 (1): 32 - 36.
WILLIAMS, P, BIGGS, J, WHITFIELD, M., THORNE, A., BRYANT, S., FOX, G. AND NICOLET, P.
(1999) The Pond Book: a. guide to the management and creation of ponds. Ponds Conservarion Trust,
Oxford.
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Essex Naturalist (New Series) 21 (2004)