The project will see two thirds of the estate transformed and new plants introduced in a bid to attract wildlife to the area. Plants typical of wet grasslands will be introduced to attract birds such as sparrows, skylarks, linnets, yellowhammers, grey partridges, wintering waders, and wildfowl. The revitalisation of the grassland is also expected to bring in protected species like the great crested newt and slow worms.
Ciaran Egan, Hadleigh Estate director, hopes the work will add to the area’s “natural beauty”. He said: “Once work is complete and the different parcels of land have had the opportunity to fully establish, the vista will be changed from one of machined farmed land to a natural corridor with a rich diversity of wildlife. “We’re particularly excited about the creation of the wet grassland areas and other land which will allow us to introduce grazing around the site.
“It will add to the natural beauty of a day out at Hadleigh Farm while bringing about significant benefit to the environment.” The Salvation Army, which manages Hadleigh Farm, in Hadleigh Park, is joining forces with Natural England for the project. The transformation is set to continue until the end of 2024, but visitors will be able to appreciate the new space from various viewpoints starting from the beginning of next year.
The majority of the designated area, presently open grassland covered with scrub and a portion used as farmland, will undergo noticeable change. Starting from th.
