Red Lodge Heath undergoes major clean up
3 March 2010
Local people and volunteers are gathering in earnest this Saturday, 6th March, for a major clean-up operation to protect the plants and animals of Red Lodge Heath.
Photograph courtesy of Mike Edwards
Despite the area being designated a Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 2005 it has been plagued by illegal fly-tipping and motorbike use to the dismay of local residents.
The heath is to be fenced off to stop the illegal motorbike use and combat the rubbish problem, which includes gas bottles and old tyres. Approximately 30 tonnes waste will be cleared away.
Matthew Ginn, Conservation Adviser, at Natural England said: “Among the rare insects found there, the five-banded digger wasp burrows in the open sand and lives on weevils found on the wild flowers. Unfortunately the motorbikes were tearing up the ground and with it, the wildlife.“
This project, funded by Natural England’s Higher Level Stewardship scheme and a grant from Forest Heath District Council, has secured the management of Red Lodge Heath SSSI for nature conservation and the enjoyment of the local community for at least 10 years. This is excellent news for the wildlife of this wonderful but neglected site and I hope it will lead to many more residents of Red Lodge enjoying it for years to come.”
Once the clean-up operation has been completed, a comprehensive management plan will see kissing gates installed in the fencing for walkers, footpath improvements and information boards situated around the site. Work to clear the small bushes and trees that can stifle heathland will be ongoing by Red Lodge Conservation Group and will create the right conditions for the plants to flourish.
Pat McCloud, volunteer with the Red Lodge Conservation Group said: “We have been taking an interest in this site for many years, and are pleased that its value has been recognised by Natural England and Forest Heath District Council. We have been working hard to keep the site under correct management and the additional measures are very welcome.”
Anyone wishing to volunteer should contact Matt Vernon at Forest Heath District Council on 01638 719782 or email matt.vernon@forest-heath.gov.uk
ENDS
Notes for editors:
For further information contact:
Linzee Kottman on 0300 060 2058/07824475359 linzee.j.kottman@naturalengland.org.uk or
Heather Duncan on 07970 228388. heather.duncan@naturalengland.org.uk, Out of hours 07970 098005.
Volunteers include the Red Lodge Conservation Group, local community, Mildenhall Safer Neighbourhood Team, National Probation Team and personnel from Mildenhall air base.
About Natural England
Natural England is the government’s independent advisor on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
We establish and care for England’s main wildlife sites, ensuring that over 3,500 National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are looked after and improved.
We work to ensure that England’s landscapes are effectively protected, designating England’s National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Marine Conservation Zones, and advising widely on their conservation.
We run England’s Environmental Stewardship green farming schemes that deliver over £400 million a year to farmers and landowners, enabling them to enhance the natural environment across two thirds of England’s farmland.
We fund, manage, and provide scientific expertise for hundreds of conservation projects each year, improving the prospects for thousands of England’s species and habitats.
We have recently committed £6m to develop wetland areas and have detailed biodiversity action plans covering 75% of England’s species We promote access to the wider countryside, helping establish National Trails and coastal trails and ensuring that the public can enjoy and benefit from them.
