Hi Ashley, the tree removal work from lowland heaths in the UK, including Mousehold Heath, is designed not to destroy habitat, but SAVE what is left of a very rare and fragile heathland habitat. Only 16% of the UK heath area remains, which has threatened the survival of many specialist heath species, including lizards, snakes, spiders and birds. The real threats of development and housing still exists. Lack of suitable vegetation management is also a clear threat to our remaining and fragmented heaths.

thanks, Dan

Excellent site...Keep up the good work!

Hello I have visited mousehold heath on and off for approaching 50 years.And spent a large amount of my childhood playing on there.My personel opinion is the heath is becoming too heavily wooded .The siver birch have really taken hold much to the detriment of the heath.We all like trees,but with too many and the place has become a dark damp place in area that used to be covered in Gorse,Broom,Heather,.I know some areas have had clearance,but the actual"heath" is small compared to what it was many years ago.The place needs to be diverse.Many of the songbirds, and small mammals, and insects will only survive on heathland.After all Their no shortage of woodland in this part of Norfolk but theirs not too much heathland.

Thank you for your comments Sid. It is difficult to keep a happy medium between those who want more heathland and those who want more trees but I hope we are reaching a good compromise. Education is the key and once we know why trees and undergrowth are being cleared it makes it easier to accept. I am one of those who prefer woodland to heath but I can see the benefits of opening up areas to sunlight and regrowth. Regeneration is the word!.

Our main working parties are on the heath every S aturday weather permitting. We are above the Vinegar Pond at the moment before we move off to hehind Zaks. Come and say hello if you see us .We don't bite promise. We might give you a pair of gloves and a pair of loppers though.

Hi again

I did see a small working party the other day, near what we used to call the Seven Hills,but I did'nt stop them as they seemed very busy.One area on the heath that has really declined is the section that lies between the track going down to the pitch and put course and Gurney road.This used to be covered in Broom and Gorse and was absolutely glorious,With plenty of wildlife.I remember watching Goldcrests building their nests,along with Linnets,and various other birds.This area has now been invaded by Birch, and brambles, and a lot of the wildlife seems to be gone.The wooded areas just dont support the same amount of wildlife as the heathland.I might just come and give you a hand when the weather improves.

All the best Sid.

Hello Sid

I can assure you that the Defenders always have time to talk to people. In fact we value their views so please come and make yourself known. Don't wait too long to join in though as the work parties end at the end of February/early March.

Hello Sid

Glad to see you are keeping an eye on the website. Gill is right please come and make yourself known.

I was very pleased to read your comment about the Seven Hills. I remember calling that area the Seven Hills of Rome when I was a child but no-one else had ever heard of it. I was beginning to think I had imagined it.!

We are currently working behind and above Zaks removing the old overgrown gorse which has been burnt several times. The fire service asked for it to be removed as a fire hazard and to allow them access. It looks lovely now that all that dead stuff has gone. We know that everything will regenerate very fast if not with what was there before, then with something new and surprising. Aint Nature grand.!

We are now working on the Cavalry Track at Britannia Barracks. 2 things. Does anyone remember exactly where the flagpole was sited? We have a picture of it still in place in 1965 but the angle is really difficult to judge.

Also we have a differnce of opinion. I seem to remember a picture of the cavalry riding up or down the track. Others say no it was just for pedestrians. My view is why call it a cavalry track if they didnt ride ?

Let me know if you know.