Hic Bibi Nature Reserve – Habitat Enhancement

Hic Bibi, a former clay quarry now colonised by species rich grassland, is a habitat and breeding area for the Great Crested Newt. Monitoring of the grassland and ponds has identified that the site is under threat from scrub invasion. It is proposed to carry out scrub control, removal and vegetation stripping where floristic interest is limited, to expose clay substrates which are suitable for natural colonisation of species rich grasslands. Three ponds will also be created to provide new breeding habitats for great crested newts. A new management plan will ensure that the ponds and grasslands are managed for optimum biodiversity. Annual monitoring will also take place.