Management of Stanpit Marsh SNCI

One of the statutory duties of this Council is the management of Sites of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI), in Stanpit we have one which nestles, hidden, behind the Ship in Distress and stretches as far as the new development at Haven Way and down to the entrance to the marsh at the Baldwin Close end of the conurbation. This SNCI is a wild life haven comprising an important reed bed and wet zone. The management of this area requires CBC to send labour into the reed bed to de-thatch and clear material to enable re-growth. This is a very difficult task and although the team does an excellent job it is hardly satisfactory that such resources should be directed on something which although important is not greatly visible. It also requires management and organisation diverting attention from other more visible requirements. Experts tell me that this job can be achieved naturally by using grazing stock similar to how we use cattle and horses in other parts of the marsh. What is needed is a stock fence identical to that installed at the top part of the recreation ground to keep the animals enclosed whilst they do their work. We could include the scrub land behind Haven Way which has a natural corridor to the SNCI, to keep that under some natural control also. The SNCI does not require the stringent controls called for on SSSI sites but we do have a duty to care for it in a sustainable way.Management and labour would be diverted to more visible objectives whilst the animals munch their way through the reed bed fertilising as they go.I have asked for a direction as to how this project can be achieved and the requirement for consultation.