Skip over main navigation
  • Sign up
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
Marks Hall Estate
Donate Visit Prices
  • Twitter
Menu
  • About us
    • About us
    • Our people
    • History
    • Wildlife conservation
    • News
    • Blog
    • Job vacancies
  • Plan your visit
    • Plan your visit
    • Things to see & do
    • Woof Weekdays
    • Group bookings
    • Education visits & resources
    • MHE at home
  • Shop
  • What's On
  • Weddings and Venue Hire
    • Weddings and Venue Hire
  • Join and Support
    • Membership
    • Donate
    • Volunteers
    • Cycle Path Project
    • Commemorative schemes
    • Firewood
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • Wildlife conservation
  1. About us
  2. Wildlife conservation

Wildlife conservation

The landscape here at Marks Hall Estate provides a rich diversity of habitats for a huge variety of species.

This includes hundreds of acres of woodland, much of which is designated Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland. We care for this woodland using traditional management techniques including coppicing, a way of harvesting wood that stimulates new growth. This felling allows light to flood onto the forest floor, stimulating the dormant seeds and bulbs and providing excellent conditions for wild flowers. It also provides food and habitat for wildlife, and can prolong the life of trees.

The benefits to wildlife have already been proven. Simon Leatherdale, formerly Forest Officer for the Forestry Commission, regularly leads bat walks at Marks Hall Estate;

Woodland is important for bat species because they have evolved to benefit from the food supply, roosting and hibernating opportunities that it provides. The bats at Marks Hall Estate have been encouraged over the last 30 years by a positive approach to woodland management. In addition the old Second World War air-raid shelters have been adapted to accommodate bats during their hibernation period. The Marks Hall hibernation complex is now the second best site in the UK for hibernating barbastelle bats, the best site by far for brown long-eared bats, and globally important for natterers bats.

Marks Hall Estate has also had great success in support of butterfly populations. The silver-washed fritillary (argynnis paphia) and purple emperor (apatura iris) butterflies have been successfully re-introduced and self-sustaining populations are now thriving on the Estate. As Professor Ted Benson, President of the Colchester Natural History Society points out;

The woodland at Marks Hall Estate has been very sympathetically managed for these species. They need open, flowery habitats inside the woods and around their edges. Woodland management caters for all these needs by ensuring a connected mosaic of different habitats in and around the wood.

You can help to support the wildlife conservation programmes at Marks Hall Estate by visiting the gardens, Arboretum and woodlands. If you have an open fire or woodburner at home, you can source your sustainably produced firewood from Marks Hall Estate too. Not only is it a high quality and seasoned product, you are ensuring the continuation of these ancient and traditional techniques, which are so beneficial for wildlife.

Published: 27th June, 2017

Updated: 6th November, 2020

Author:

Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • Snowdrop display goes virtual

    Snowdrop display goes virtual

    The annual display of tens of thousands of snowdrops moves online with virtual walks, family activities and incredible imagery

  • Your complete guide to snowdrops

    Your complete guide to snowdrops

    Arboretum Manager Ian tells us what makes snowdrops so special

  • Marks Hall Estate at home

    Marks Hall Estate at home

    Enjoy all things Marks Hall Estate wherever you are with our free resources and ideas for everyone to try at home

  • Reasons why we love Olive & Ivy Candles

    Reasons why we love Olive & Ivy Candles

    What makes a candle eco-friendly? From soy wax to seeded tags, and refill jars, discover more about our new range here.

Most read

  • Coach House prices

    Coach House prices

    Pricing for Coach House venue hire

  • Opening times and prices

    Opening times and prices

    View the opening times and prices for your visit to Marks Hall Estate

  • Location

    Location

    Conveniently located between the A12 and M11 in Coggeshall, Essex

  • Arboretum map

    Arboretum map

    Map of Marks Hall Estate's Arboretum and Woodland Walks

  • Facilities

    Facilities

    Facilities for our visitors, including accessibility information

  • Woof Weekdays

    Woof Weekdays

    Bring your four-legged friend and explore the Arboretum every weekday

  • Memberships

    Memberships

    By becoming a member you are supporting the valuable work the Trust undertakes in protecting and enhancing a landscape that is good for people, plants and wildlife.

  • Orchard Kitchen café

    Orchard Kitchen café

    Enjoy a selection of homemade meals and light refreshments in our Essex barn

  • Our people

    Our people

    Our Board of Trustees and staff team

  • Venue Only Hire

    Take full control of your wedding with our 48 hour exclusive hire.

Latest tweet

  • Find some winter garden inspiration from 20 gardens in France and the UK, including our very own Birkett Long Mille… https://t.co/7GUqNLpHUq

    26thFebruary, 2021 @markshallestate
  • A little bit of our history this #ThrowbackThursday #weddingvenue https://t.co/l6itU0fJaA

    25thFebruary, 2021 @markshallestate
  • Enjoy a virtual stroll through Birkett Long Millennium Walk. See the trunks of the Himalayan birch trees, bright re… https://t.co/t7SyBM5fJq

    24thFebruary, 2021 @markshallestate

Find us

View on google maps

Marks Hall, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TG

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Connect with us

  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Opening Times
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

© 2017 Marks Hall. Registered Charity 256700. Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TG.

Visitor Centre - 01376 563796     Estate Office - 01376 563116     Weddings - 01376 565420.

Marks Hall Estate is closed - Find out more