6:30am Sunday 7th March 2010
By Emma Palmer
A POPULAR meadow and wildlife habitat is set for a revamp as part of a Basildon Council restoration project.
Norsey Meadow, part of historic Norsey Wood, in Billericay, will be the focus of a conservation improvement scheme.
The area has been recognised as a local wildlife site for its grassland and associated species, but much of the grass is becoming overgrown.
Countryside ranger, Chris Huggins, said: “In the long-term, we hope to provide a graded selection of habitats, from open meadow at the western end near Norsey Close, through to a parkland of scattered trees over grass where the meadow meets Norsey Wood.
“This should be a very attractive addition to the landscape of Norsey Wood and the meadow.
“The fenced area will not interfere with the existing public footpath, and gates will be installed to enable continued use of some of the traditional entrances.”
The council is planning to clear the boundary of the site to allow for the installation of fencing, to enable the meadows to be grazed by livestock.
The fencing will allow animals to graze within the meadow and is not intended to stop anyone using the site. This should improve the quality of the grassland for wild flowers, invertebrates and other species.
The work should be completed by the end of the year.
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