Extraordinary East Winch

East Winch Common (EWC), a 32 hectare SSSI, is one of the largest surviving remnants of the extensive heathland that once covered large areas of West Norfolk. Comprising wet heath, acidic ponds, dry heathland and grassland it has a diverse suite of vegetation communities with a corresponding richness in plant/animal species. Important species include scarce emerald damselfly, marsh gentian, nightjar, woodlark and round-leaved/oblong-leaved sundews and nationally rare species of water beetle. Heathland on site has reduced in size due to encroachment of birch/oak scrub which is a management challenge. This project will allow a more targeted approach to restoration of heathland/wetland through a combination of birch thinning, mowing/litter removal/scraping, and the introduction of improved grazing approaches proven to support similar habitat restoration elsewhere. Additionally, vegetation condition monitoring would be undertaken to asses the effects of the habitat improvements.