History Meets Habitat: Wetland Restoration at Hadleigh Castle

Hadleigh Castle stands proudly above the Thames Estuary, its weathered walls a testament to centuries of change. From the nearby Battle of Benfleet in 894 AD to the anti-aircraft batteries scattered across the neighbouring country park, this landscape holds history at every turn.

Now, however, a new chapter is being written - one that blends heritage conservation with habitat restoration. As the castle overlooks the landscape below, it bears witness to an ambitious return to nature.

A landscape in decline

When I first visited the Hadleigh Farm Estate in 2022, it was clear the arable land below the castle was struggling. Years of unprofitable cropping, relentless flooding and poor establishment had left the fields tired and barren.

Recognising the opportunity for change, the estate joined forces with Natural England under a Higher-Tier Countryside Stewardship scheme. The goal? To restore over 100 hectares to their historic use as grazing marsh, a landscape once immortalised in Constable’s brushstrokes, - a vibrant wetland teeming with wildlife and livestock. Hadleigh marshes were set to make a return.

Turning farmland into wetland

By late 2024, following extensive ecological surveys, planning consents, and countless meetings, work finally began on the ground. A spell of dry weather after harvest allowed contractors to begin carving a network of foot drains, scrapes, and ditches into the fields.

These features are more than just watercourses, they're designed to retain water into the late spring, providing muddy, shallow pools for wading birds such as lapwing and redshank to feed and breed.

To enhance protection, the site was enclosed with a predator-proof fence to keep out foxes, badgers and even the well-meaning public, creating a safe haven during sensitive breeding periods.

Grazing: the engine of habitat creation

Central to this wetland restoration project is the return of grazing livestock. Native breed sheep and cattle will graze the site, creating a patchwork of variable sward heights, while their hooves churn muddy edges - ideal for foraging wader chicks.

It’s a powerful example of how regenerative farming and wildlife conservation can work together, where the role of livestock is not only productive but ecological.

Mosaic of biodiversity in a Higher-Tier Scheme

Beyond the wetland, the Higher-Tier scheme extends to a wider variety of habitats across the estate:

• Species-rich grasslands near the castle are being restored through low-intensity grazing, supporting invertebrates and small mammals.

• Winter bird cover and floristic plots have been sown to provide food and shelter across seasons.

• A new traditional orchard is planned for 2025, offering future fruit, pollinator habitat and structural diversity.

Together, these elements form a multi-habitat landscape designed to benefit nature all year round.

Looking to the future

It’s exciting to imagine the restored wetland at its peak. Lapwing chicks will stumble through shallow pools, dragonflies will patrol the reeds, and skylarks will sing overhead. Visitors will be able to walk the paths, witnessing how farming and wildlife can co-exist in harmony - a demonstration of how rewilding principles can be integrated into a working farm.

Acknowledgements

This transformation would not have been possible without the expertise, hard work and persistence of those involved. Special thanks to:

• Ciaran Egan (Estate Manager, Salvation Army)

• Michael Chapman (Land Partners)

• Andrew Hartley (Natural England)

Hadleigh Castle may no longer defend against coastal invaders, but it now stands as a proud sentinel over a project that promises ecological renewal and resilience - a brighter future for wildlife and for everyone who values the natural and cultural heritage of this unique landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT)?

A: Higher Tier public grant scheme in England supports complex habitat restoration and heritage projects, such as wetland creation, species-rich grasslands and traditional orchards. It pays farmers and land managers to manage land in a way that:

• protects, restores or enhances the environment

• mitigates the effects of climate change

  
  

CSHT can be done on woodland, farmed land, land managed for nature or a combination of these. This includes important environmental or historic sites, such as:

• sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs)

• commons

• woodlands

• scheduled monuments

Q: Can I still apply for Higher Tier funding in 2025/26?

A: Higher Tier is currently closed to open applications, but remains accessible by invitation only. We expect to hear more in the summer. If your land has high environmental or historic value, it may still be eligible and working with our experienced environmental consultants significantly improves your chances of selection.

Q: Who can help design a Higher Tier scheme?

A: Our expert team can guide you through the entire process, from early habitat planning and grazing strategies to liaising with Natural England and completing the application. We also have specialists in woodland creation and management, as well as conservation seed mix design, enabling us to deliver integrated, tailored solutions for your biodiversity goals.

👉 If you would like to find out more, our team is happy to help guide you. Call us on 01480 890686 or email info@oakbankgc.co.uk

Q: Are there other funding options for habitat projects?

A: Yes. Beyond Higher Tier, we can help you identify private funding (such as biodiversity net gain, carbon or nutrient neutrality) and public grant schemes that support woodland creation, nature-based solutions, and regenerative land use. Call us to discuss what opportunities may be available for your farm or estate.