Wildlife Sites are the most important places for wildlife outside legally protected land such as Nature Reserves or Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). They compliment this existing network of legally protected sites by providing vital linkages between habitats and allowing for the movement and expansion of species, something that is becoming increasingly difficult as our natural habitats become more and more fragmented. They are vital to the future of our native species.
Benefits to wildlife
Wildlife Sites provide habitat (food resources, shelter and breeding sites) for a huge number of species; for example, a wildflower meadow provides nectar sources for invertebrates which in turn become prey for birds. An ancient or veteran tree in a woodland or hedgerow, with its dead limbs, rot holes and cracks, may provide ideal roost sites for bats as well as homes for other small mammals, invertebrates and nesting places for a variety of woodland birds. Ponds can provide perfect breeding and feeding grounds for species such as newts and dragonflies, and consequently, their predators.
No legal protection
Wildlife Sites are not legally protected, so there is no obligation on you as the landowner to manage your land for wildlife. We, and a myriad of our threatened native species, rely on your goodwill as a Wildlife Site owner to ensure that Hertfordshire’s natural habitats and the species they support are preserved into the future.
Managing for wildlife
Without appropriate management, Wildlife Sites can soon degrade. It is vital that these sites are cared for so that their benefits to wildlife are either maintained, or better still, enhanced.
Many of Hertfordshire’s Wildlife Sites are currently managed for other purposes such as agriculture, timber production, livestock rearing or recreation. The designation of a Wildlife Site does not mean that any of these usages need cease. What we aim to achieve, with your help, is a balance between the needs of both the landowner and wildlife, without compromising either.
There are many ways that this can be achieved, and whether your site is already under management or not, we would be happy to provide you with advice on the best ways of managing your land with wildlife in mind. We may also be able to provide you with information on sources of grants and other funding that may be available to help with this management.
Guidance
Read our general advice on managing woodlands and grasslands. Please note that these should only be used as a guide - each Wildlife Site will differ in terms of its wildlife and management needs.
If you are interested in receiving tailor-made management advice for your Wildlife Site, please contact Carol Lodge 01727 858901 ext. 235 to arrange an initial site visit.
