Canvey Wick ~ Habitat Restoration and Maintenance Works

2022-2025

The land was sectioned into seven compartments and work began in autumn 2022 in areas that had become overgrown, with the distinctive tarmac bases disappearing under encroaching vegetation. Contractors were used for the larger works to push back the scrub and remove establishing trees and dominant grasses. They also disturbed the ground, creating bare areas that provide ideal habitat for the ground burrowing and basking resident species.

The nature and timing of the works was informed by surveys conducted on site to identify species of conservation interest and to ensure that our restoration plans did not impede the lifecycles of any of these creatures.

In 2024, habitat restoration at Canvey Wick included further clearance works to push back the scrub and remove some of the dry reed beds which had come to dominate. This improved another 8 hectares of land for invertebrates and other wildlife. Over winter, the focus was on clearing choked ditches that are important for aquatic invertebrates. They will now be managed on a rotation to keep them sunny and open.

While much of the habitat work was done by machinery, some tasks were better suited to a lighter touch, and were carried out by the RSPB’s volunteer work party, corporate groups and youth groups. A huge thank you to everyone involved!

2025 and beyond

RSPB and Buglife will continue to work in partnership with the Land Trust and Natural England to build on the past three years’ restoration work and explore options to maintain Canvey Wick for its special wildlife. This will involve efforts by the warden team and volunteer work parties to cut back scrub and keep the flower-rich areas open for foraging insects. Cutting back saplings and other plants can sometimes appear destructive and counter-intuitive for a conservation charity. However, it is vital to keep vigorous plants under control so that others can flourish, to maintain a mosaic of habitats that supports a wide range of species.

The site will continue to provide opportunities for the public to connect with nature, with the new maps, interpretation boards and waymarked trails providing information on the habitat and species. The Buglife Community Warden will host regular guided walks, educational and family activities, and training opportunities. We hope that these events will inspire local pride in this special site and encourage people of all ages to value and protect invertebrates.