In addition to the district’s nine Local Nature Reserves (LNRs), Countrycare has historically managed a number of other sites of high nature conservation interest. These have been “adopted” and managed by staff with the practical assistance of volunteers from the local community.
In 2006/07 just under 8,000 hours of staff and volunteer time were given to enhancing the biodiversity of 42 sites across the district in 19 parishes. In addition to the LNRs nearly half of the others sites managed by Countrycare are Local Wildlife Site (LoWS). These sites have been identified for their special flora and fauna and have a county or regional wildlife value. In this district LoWS are protected under Local Plan policies and are considered when planning applications are submitted. In the Epping Forest District the selection of LoWS was made by the
The majority of LoWS are in private ownership so partnership working and influencing landowners is therefore vital. Over the years, Countrycare has teamed up with a number of parish councils, landowners and other conservation organisations to manage a number of LoWS. Below is a list of the sites to which Countrycare has a long term management interest.
Essex Online is supported by Epping Forest District Council