In June 2017, Felsted Parish Council purchased approximately 40 acres of land from a local developer for a nominal sum, on the understanding that it would be turned into a Nature Area for the benefit of Felsted and neighbouring parishes.
This land is in the west of the parish and is bounded by Station Road to the north and by the River Chelmer to the south. It includes “Felsted Fen” and many Public Rights of Way. The land is managed by Felsted Parish Council with the assistance of volunteers.
Our Vision Statement for the Nature Area, Station Rd., Felsted
The Area is to be kept as a Nature Reserve and used for the benefit of all residents of Felsted and the surrounding local community. We will seek to encourage biodiversity through management and enhancement of the maintained natural environment to provide a variety of habitats for wildlife and, whilst encouraging access and recreational use, we will designate restricted areas for the benefit of wildlife without disturbance. We will ensure the existing public rights of way are maintained in addition to the made path running from Station Road to the bridge across Stebbing Brook at Flitch Green and designated paths for recreation. We will aspire to ensure that all Parish residents have access to this valuable facility. We will try to encourage engagement with the project through enjoyment of the area; appreciation of fauna and flora; recreation and education.
In 2024, Essex Ecology Ltd surveyed the Nature Area and produced a Management Report, which Felsted Parish Council are using to guide the project. Many trees and hedges have been planted, bat and owl boxes deployed, intrusive species removed and pathways created. The large areas of meadow have just had their second “cut and collect” and we are already beginning to see the benefits that this brings.
If you would like to volunteer to help us with this amazing project, please contact:
Hywell Jones on: hj.felstedpc@gmail.com
or
The Parish Clerk on: clerk@felsted-pc.gov.uk
