Ughill Farm - Initiation of SSSI restoration (4)

Works to be completed: - Use mechanical control to reduce soft rush and dominant grasses, promoting regeneration of dwarf shrub heath. - Block old braided routes and re-wet trackways using cut soft rush, bailed to prevent drainage. - Create scrapes where necessary to enhance habitat diversity and support ground nesting birds. Overarching aims of the works: - Restore Furnace Hill, a designated SSSI, by reducing the dominance of soft rush and encouraging the return of dwarf shrub heath. - Facilitate the re-establishment of ground-nesting bird populations. - Improve the structure and biodiversity of the site by managing grazing and implementing key habitat restoration techniques. Value to the community and/or environment: - Enhances biodiversity by restoring important heathland habitat and supporting ground-nesting birds. - Improves ecological resilience by addressing the overgrowth of soft rush and enhancing wetland features. - Contributes to the long-term conservation of the site as a designated SSSI, preserving its special scientific interest. - Provides a model for sustainable habitat management in sensitive ecosystems.