THH

Tomorrow’s Heathland Heritage

On behalf of the Breckland Heathland Partnership, and co-ordinated by Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Norfolk Wildlife Services carried out a review of the practical management requirements of seven Breckland heath re-creation sites originally included in the Tomorrow’s Heathland Heritage programme (2001-2006). One of the aims of this programme was to achieve the sustainable management of 300ha of re-created Brecks grass heath, primarily using extensive grazing techniques.

The site survey work carried out by NWS identified areas of remaining forestry tree stumps, bracken, scrub and Calamagrostis (Wood small reed), providing a baseline of current habitat condition for each site. This survey has been digitised and analysed to provide recommendations and priorities for delivery of practical management works over the next five to ten years. Further work will be required over the next few years to monitor the habitat condition and rare Breckland flora, as well as to build up the grazing capacity NWT’s Flying Flock and local graziers to achieve longer term sustainable management of these sites.