Sandlings

Ref: CSFF090001

Group members: 21

Length of agreement: 5

Area of group (Hectares): 8945

Priorities:

To help restore/maintain the Sandlings SPA, the Alde and Deben Estuary SPA, Ramsar and SSSI sites and Special Areas of Conservation, the group will:

Maintain, where necessary restore, and where possible enlarge the following priority habitats below:

Lowland heathland & dry acid grassland, Lowland meadows, Coastal & floodplain grazing marsh, Saltmarsh, Vegetated shingle, Saline lagoons, Reedbeds and lowland fen, Riparian habitats, Traditional orchards, Ancient and native woodland, Arable field margins

Provide/improve habitat for the following species assemblages found within the area:

Arable – Lapwing, Corn Bunting, Stone Curlew, Turtle Dove, Heathland – Dartford Warble, Woodlark, Nightjar, Woodland – Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Tree pipit, Lesser Redpoll, Breeding Waders – Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Snipe, Oystercatcher, Redshank. Heathland specialists -Adder, Silver-studded blue butterfly, Ant-lion

To provide a wild pollinator and farm wildlife package, the group will:

Enhance arable habitat by establishing: Corridors of nectar flower plots and targeted wild bird food plots.
Fallow plots for breeding lapwing, stone curlew/rare arable plants.
Upgrade grassy field corners/ margins into flower rich areas.
Restore hedgerows

Manage grassland to increase biodiversity

To improve water quality and reduce soil erosion, the group will endeavour to:

Control the source/ movement of pollutants (nutrient, sediment and pesticides)
Surface water and sediments, with particular reference to the control of faecal bacteria into Suffolk Coastal and Deben catchments
Improve soil management particularly in relation to outdoor pigs.

To help maintain the unique Sandlings Landscape and Heritage, the group will endeavour to:

Bring woodland back into active management including: