Management Plan

Overview:
The Manor Farm Rewilding project, a significant biodiversity site within the Sherborne St. John to Morgaston Wood corridor, aims to enhance and sustain the area's ecological richness. Key species include Harvest Mice, Common Toads, Grass Snakes, and diverse amphibians, supported by chalk streams and fenland. The project is advised by Dr. Paul Sterry and Natural Basingstoke.
Management Goals:

1. Fenland Enhancement:

   • Expand wetland areas by allowing natural blockage of ditches, creating approximately 700m² of new fenland.

   • Restoration work completed during winter 2024/25.

2. Grassland Diversity:

   • Implement rotational summer cutting (1/3 of grassland in 15-20m strips) starting in 2025 to increase flora and grass species diversity while maintaining shelter for key species.

3. Marginal Habitat Management:

   • Maintain planted hedgerow whips lightly to develop thick, biodiverse hedgerows.

   • Thin willow fringes along streams by 50% for better light penetration.

   • Expand woodpiles for Grass Snakes and insect populations.

4. Connectivity Improvement:

   • Collaborate with neighboring properties to create wildlife corridors connecting adjacent SINC sites and local gardens, forming a broader biodiversity network.

Monitoring & Adaptation:
Progress will be monitored with help from Natural Basingstoke volunteers, enabling evidence-based adjustments to the plan as necessary.
Key Actions:

• Rotational strip cutting in grasslands (2025 onwards).

• Hedgerow management and stream margin thinning.

• Collaboration with neighbors to create biodiversity corridors.

• Continuous monitoring of nature recovery.

Objective:
Restore and enhance biodiversity while preserving the historical and ecological significance of Manor Farm.