Nature Features

Living Landscapes is an Essex Wildlife Trust scheme, supported by all the local and district councils in Essex, to ensure that green spaces are available and maintained for wildlife, for people and for the economy of each area.

"There are about 80 different river valleys, areas of woodland, coast, or heathland which we've picked out and are trying to do more for, because they're very important landscapes for wildlife and local people," explains John Hall, Director of Essex Wildlife Trust.

EWT are looking at ways to enhance Tiptree Heath

"We call this a 'vision document' - a vision for what's going to happen in the area with we hope, lots of good ideas."

These 'visions' are based on a series of maps of a particular area.  One of them shows what is there now in terms of special sites of interest for wildlife and what is being done to help and protect it.

Other maps show a possible vision of how these areas could be enhanced for the benefit of the incumbent wildlife, as well as the local community, the local economy, volunteering and tourism.

One of the places highlighted in the Living Landscapes is Tiptree, which is blessed with woodland, grassland and of course the 20 hectares of Tiptree Heath.

Tiptree Heath covers 20 hectares of land

"We've got some wildlife targets here, so we'll try to increase the heathland, grassland or woodland.  Also try to improve the prospects for song thrushes, woodpeckers, the linnet and water voles."

The local community is also targeted for possible areas of development, by looking at the ways local businesses, volunteering groups, local history, volunteering and younger generations can benefit from the green spaces.

"We hope to get 600 children out and having a look around and also establish wildlife gardens in each of the four primary schools in Tiptree," explains John.

BBC Essex's Renee Hockley-Byam joined John Hall at Tiptree to find out more. Click on the link below to find out more.