Lewis Saunders Ecology was responsible for a National Vegetation Classification re-survey of a new leisure complex post development. The site had been recently redeveloped from a campsite supporting touring caravans and tent pitches, to accommodate a holiday park of 70 log cabins with facilities.
The site was within Thetford Forest and situated adjacent to important designated areas of the Breckland Site of Special Scientific Interest/Special Area of Conservation, and Ramsar site. In line with its many designations Breckland is one of the most ecological important and distinctive regions within the country containing scarce habitats and species.
Lewis Saunders Ecology re-surveyed the site post-development to provide information on the value of, and change in, the vegetation on the site. The results of the survey included-
- Alnus glutinosa- Urtica dioica Woodland (W6)
- Phragmites australis-Urtica dioica tall herb fen (S26)
- Lolium perenne-Cynosurus cristatus grassland (MG6) but supporting some interesting species typical of dry semi-natural grassland in The Brecks including field mouse-ear (Cerastium arvense) and crested hair grass (Koeleeria macrantha).
- Arrehantherum elatius grassland (MG1)
The condition and extent of the important habitats on site was found to have been largely maintained throughout the development. The flood meadow was noted to have become more dominated by false oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), most likely because of a decrease in the frequency of mowing. Recommendations to improve the nature conservation value of the habitats were made including, better management to enhance the floristic diversity of the meadow by seeding with locally sourced green hay combined with more regular mowing.
Relevant services
National Vegetation Classification
Baseline Survey & Monitoring