Work has started in earnest since purchasing the land at Palmers Brook at the beginning of this year.
In collaboration with HIWWT and WeBS our focus over the next three years will be on gathering baseline surveys and monitoring which are well underway across the meadows, woodland and estuarine area of the reserve. These baseline surveys across the 222-acre site are fundamental in allowing us to restore the natural capital of the reserve and in increasing biodiversity.
Palmers Brook Nature Reserve includes areas of ancient woodland and benefits from SSSI and RAMSAR designation so work will focus on these areas of ecological importance, habitats and wildlife. Our ecological surveys will include birds,mammals, amphibians, plants, lichen, invertebrates and bat studies, plus soils and water. We’ll also measure the amount of carbon stored in habitats on site, and in collaboration with HIWWT will produce a habitat management and enhancement plan for different habitats.
Construction has also commenced for two agricultural barns to house our nature reserve machinery and a small administration office. Further capital work will include fencing and coppicing of the semi ancient woodland to increase woodland flora and fauna.
