Skylark and dormouse habitat protection, Surrey

Phoenice Fields is used daily by locals for walking and this is of great conservation concern. People and dogs cross the fields at many points disturbing ground nesting skylarks, whilst the favoured entry point to the adjacent woodland is the southwest corner where dormice are known to occur. The project aims are to manage public access to prevent habitat and species disturbance, and, conserve, restore and create habitats for skylark, hazel dormice and other wildlife. Outcomes will be;
1. Public access is better managed protecting lowland calcareous grassland and lowland mixed deciduous woodland habitat important for skylarks and dormice.
2. Cattle management is more effective, better supporting the restoration of the improved grassland fields to lower calcareous grassland.
3. New and enhanced hedgerows will benefit birds, insects and small mammals.
4. Arable field margin habitat will be created.