Crossgates Corridor
Pilot Project
TOTAL HABITAT
6070 Sqm
TOTAL COST
£2706.87
COST PER Sqm
£0.44
About
We were pleased to work with the Duggan family on several acres of their land near Crossgates. The land consisted of an area of existing scrub and mature woodland, connected by a patchy hedgerow with a brook running through the center to a small pond. The area was surrounded by grazing fields and livestock could access all of it.
Our work
We provided funds to fence off the area to livestock and created two fields either side of the woodland. Wilba aims to use materials that can be locally sourced and that are environmentally friendly; we used chestnut fence posts as they are more durable and, due to the natural tannin in the wood, don’t require chemical or pressure treatment. The fencing has allowed the ground to regenerate and back in the spring we were treated to a carpet of bluebells.
Our team also planted a variety of native trees to fill the patches in the hedgerow and along the brook, helping to create a much more inviting ‘corridor’ for wildlife. Finally, we erected several bird-nesting boxes in the woodland.
Wildlife
The work done by our team and the Duggan family will help to increase biodiversity in the area, whilst having no detriment to the productivity of the farm. Having trees of various ages will encourage more insects to the area which in turn helps the birds. Wildflowers are now being given the chance to flourish (a real bonus for pollinators) and the pond will provide a water source for all the wildlife and encourage species such as dragonfly and newts.
Wading through
Here is a Heron using the pond at the Crossgates Corridor Project, who can be seen in the midst of his search for food. We were fortunate enough to capture this moment on our trap camera, which allows us to observe the wildlife that occupies the habitat we have created.
