Knettishall Heath Restoration and Grazing

The project focuses on Knettishall Heath, 167.5 ha of dry heath, mixed woodland, wet woodland and river valley pasture which is of significant ecological and landscape value. The primary biodiversity value at Knettishall Heath lies in the SSSI Breck heath, a UK BAP habitat.

This project will deliver the capital works programme to restore an open grazed landscape by:
– Reclaiming 22.7ha Breck heath lost to conifer plantation, scrub and young pine, oak and birch
– Reducing the extent of bracken, to less than 10% on open heath and grassland
– Creating a single 103ha grazing enclosure around the 70ha of open heath and grassland, to extend grazing and restore an open landscape of closely grazed Breck heath
– Creating and monitoring patches of disturbed /bare ground and assess the benefits for specialist Breckland plants and invertebrates
– Changing site users’ patterns of behaviour to improve the balance between recreational activities and wildlife conservation