Nature Reserve

The proposed nature reserve at Cotesbach would embrace Lawtons principles of a ‘bigger, better and more connected’ landscape and with this providing a rich tapestry of habitats, supporting some of the UK’s most endangered species. A mix of scrub, hedgerows, grasses and bare ground will in turn support a wealth of biodiversity, which is crucial when considering the changing climate and the overall biodiversity loss impacting our planet. Grassland of varying swards heights and floristic species will be prioritised at the reserve, favouring ground nesting birds that are often impacted by intensive agricultural use. Alongside this, traditional management methods including rotational cutting and grazing, hedge laying and coppicing will continue to provide variety and diversity for the future. Cotesbach nature reserve aspires to be a forward thinking approach to a landscape scale restoration and conservation that can be enjoyed by the local community.