Mark Iley

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Mark Iley Biodiversity Coordinator 01621
862975 marki_at_essexwt.org.uk www.essexbiodiversity.
org.uk
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• I want to introduce you to a special site,
• Tiptree Heath
• and to a special group
• Friends of Tiptree Heath
• The winners of the
• Quality of Life Award

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Tiptree heath is a special site

• The only substantial area of heathland left in
  Essex (24.97ha)
• Three types of heather on one site with
  characteristic heathland animals and plants
• Open natural landscape character
• A large open space valued by local people - a
  SSSI and a common

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What had happened to the heath?

• Because there had been no grazing or cutting the
  trees were taking over and gorse cover was
  increasing. Access was compromised
• Open areas of grass were being lost and the
  heather was becoming old and leggy
• The features of the heath we all value were
  being lost

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The 10 year management plan

• Grazing should be regarded as the ideal
  management tool and every effort should be made
  to introduce stock at Tiptree Heath, as soon as
  resource and other constraints can be overcome.

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• What is so impressive is how the Friends have
  harnessed the professional conservation community
  Natural England, The Essex Biodiversity
  Project, Essex Wildlife Trust and others to help
  them deliver their vision for the heath as a
  thriving area for wildlife and the people of
  Tiptree.

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• The Friends have a very long standing commitment
  to the site and have worked tirelessly on the
  heath with weekly work parties clearing paths
  and scrub

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• THE friends took on the very difficult project
  of introducing grazing to the heath (a SSSI and a
  common) and explained and educated users of the
  heath over sevaeral years

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• Worked with Natural England to enter the heath
  in the Higher Level Scheme
• Worked with Colchester Borough Council
• Worked with Joan Pinch community warden now
  EWT warden who has done a fantastic job
• Integrated with Tiptree Parish Council
• Now equal partners with the Essex Wildlife Trust
  in managing the site

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• Organised programmes of guided walks and talks
  in addition to community arts and sports projects
  connecting everyone to their heath
• Working with local schools and youth groups
  introducing young people to their heath
• Celebrating the site with everyone at the annual
  heath fair

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• The Friends and everyone involved in working on
  Tiptree Heath are very grateful to Peter Wilkins
  - a far sighted and sympathetic land owner

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How will this effect heath users?

• The aim is that grazing will not limit anyone's
  use of the heath - fencing is to keep animals in
  and not to keep people out
• Characteristic heathland plants and animals will
  thrive
• Access for everyone is improved and an area for
  quiet recreation is safeguarded

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• Friends of Tiptree Heath
• The winners of the
• Quality of Life Award

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Mark Iley Biodiversity Coordinator 01621
862975 marki_at_essexwt.org.uk www.essexbiodiversity.
org.uk