Cowdray Marsh Site Action Plan of Works 2022-23

Site: Cowdray Marsh

Priority

Volunteer

Ranger

Contractor

 Month/Season

Patrol and litter pick fortnightly  

1 

X 

All Year 

Increase area of open water and marsh by clearing a quarter of willow and alder growth (compartment 6) 

1 

X 

X  

X  

Autumn 

Treat larger cut willow and alder stumps in marsh to reduce regrowth using EcoPlugs. Cut or strim small regrowth 

1 

X  

Spring 

Walkover survey of marsh to identify any non-native species early and eradicate if found 

1 

X  

Summer 

Coppice 3-4 of the largest trees in compartment 9 

1 

X  

Winter 

Inspect the High Wood’s drain quarterly to ensure flow not impeded, unblock if required 

1 

X  

All Year 

Maintain boundary fence 

1 

X  

X  

All Year 

Maintain site signs and ensure displaying correct information 

1 

X  

All Year 

Maintain access path to marsh by strimming  

1 

X 

X  

Spring - Summer 

Ensure cycle path is clear of encroaching vegetation  

1 

X  

X  

X  

All Year  

Monitor compartment 4 and High Wood’s drain from excessive scrub growth, cut back if necessary 

2 

X 

X  

Autumn – Early winter 

Maintain “clover lawn” with regular cutting (compartment 3) 

2 

X  

May – Oct 

Explore ways of making habitat improvements with special interest groups such as Essex Bat Group.  Bat Survey, Bat boxes along tree line with river, Otter survey

2 

X  

X  

All Year 

Monitor water loss from bund in Compartment 7. Carry out repairs if necessary 

2 

X  

X  

Late Summer 

Visually inspect water levels on site to assess if future alternations can be made to maintain wet areas year-round.  

2 

X  

All Year 

Assess quality of open water habitat with walk over survey and species recording to inform future action plans.  

2 

X  

X  

All Year 

Monitor scrub and tree growth on riverbank, remove larger trees that may damage riverbank and reduce potential loafing areas for otter.  

2 

X  

X  

X  

Winter 

Monitor use of otter holt and carry out repairs as required 

2 

X  

X  

Winter 

Work with special interest group to increase species records 

3 

X  

X  

All Year 

Conduct annual tree inspection survey

1

X

X

Late Summer-Autumn

Implement remedial work and carry out emergency tree works

1

X

X

X

All Year