Essex Wildlife Trust is setting out to restore rare chalk grassland habitat at Chafford Gorges Nature Discovery Park, for the benefit of rare invertebrates and flora species. Currently, the site has the biggest population of man orchids in Essex. The project will support the growth of this population, alongside other orchid species and chalkland plants.
The 200-acre site in Thurrock is the Trust’s most biodiverse reserve, supporting hundreds of wildlife species due to the varying habitats of lakes, meadows and woodland. The site is also important for its geological and historical features as a retired 19th-century chalk quarry.
Chalk grasslands are one of the rarest habitats at the site and are nationally important. Chalk grassland, also known as calcareous grassland, is found over limestone and chalk rocks. The chalk grassland at Chafford Gorges Nature Discovery Park is one of the few remaining places for this rare habitat in Essex.
Initial project work will begin in September for six weeks, with work commencing again in the following spring. Areas of secondary woodland will be transformed into meadows.
The public are advised to take note of temporary signage and any temporary pathway closures during this period.
The clearance and restoration work at Chafford Gorges Nature Discovery Park has been funded through Countryside Stewardship, supported by Natural England.
Dean Williams, Ranger at Chafford Gorges Nature Discovery Park, says:
“Chafford Gorges Nature Discovery Park is one of the last remaining sites for chalk grassland. We have seen first-hand how restoring this habitat can promote wildlife, as we restored another area of the site for this purpose. Since then, wildflowers have been blooming and rare and vulnerable insects have been spotted. We are looking forward to extending the habitat for our beautiful orchid species and see what wildlife will come to use this rare space. We thank the public for their patience, as the site will have some diversions or closures as the work takes place in September.”
