Norfolk heath restored after decade of nature recovery work - Natural England

Rare butterflies, birds, and wildflowers benefit from 1,200 acres of new, species-rich grassland, equivalent to around 680 football pitches

Rare species, some not recorded locally for more than 15 years, are returning to west Norfolk following a decade-long partnership between Natural England and local farmer Olly Birkbeck.

Massingham Heath, on the Little Massingham Estate, was once intensively-farmed arable land, heavily reliant on fertilisers and pesticides. With support from Natural England, the site has been transformed into a thriving mosaic of grassland, wildflowers and scrub that now supports a rich variety of wildlife. And the results have been striking.

John Ebbage, nature recovery manager at Natural England, said: “The wildlife response has been remarkable, with the return of species including skylarks, goshawk, hobby, woodlark and stonechat. The dingy skipper butterfly, absent from the area for 15 years, has returned, as have wasp spiders, oil beetles and the beautiful pyramidal orchid. The grassland is carefully managed through conservation grazing using Konik ponies, Bagot goats and Tamworth pigs. This helps control invasive species, prevents aggressive plants from dominating, and allows habitats to develop naturally. We have also encouraged the growth of scrub and trees to support a wider range of wildlife.”