Hadleigh Farm rewilding project nears completion

A remarkable transformation is taking place at Hadleigh Farm as an ambitious rewilding project launched by The Salvation Army approaches completion. 

The scheme, which got underway last summer, is transforming 240 hectares of the 360-hectare estate from machine-farmed land to a thriving haven for wildlife and a powerful symbol of environmental hope. 

The plan has seen the church and charity work alongside environmental regulator Natural England to breathe new life into the historic site. Staff and volunteers at Hadleigh Farm say they have already seen a significant increase in the number of birds around the project area. 

Other significant achievements so far include the introduction of cattle onto the marshland, to the delight of Ciaran Egan, Hadleigh Estate Director. Sheep and goats have been introduced elsewhere. 

He said: “We have introduced cows, sheep and goats and, based on our management of the land, are attempting to attract wild fowl, winter wading birds and various invertebrates. 

“It has been a real pleasure to see the cattle enjoying their new home while working hard assisting us in creating the perfect conditions for other species to call the marsh home for nesting season.  

“We’re not just restoring land – we’re restoring balance. This is about stewardship. It’s about reconnecting with nature and creating a legacy of sustainability for future generations.” 

With the final phases of the project now nearing completion, Ciaran said he is now focused on expanding public access and engagement.  

He explained: “We have included information on our website, while hosting a number of walks to share updates. We are also launching specific volunteer roles to assist us in performing welfare checks of the grazing stock across the site.”  

People living near Hadleigh and regular visitors will have noticed fencing being put up to allow the rewilding land to establish and to maintain existing rights of way. A number of ditches and gutters have also been dug to facilitate the creation of wet grassland.  Ciaran said much of the work has proved very challenging. 

He added: “Installing over six miles of fencing brought logistical issues and needed constant tweaking based on ground conditions, it was a challenge getting all of the equipment over an active trainline but probably our biggest challenge has been the management of water in the driest spring on record, trying to keep water in and ensure animal drinkers have sufficient supply.  We want the site to be an exemplar of creation care that can influence practice across the region.” 

Andrew Hartley and Neil Fuller, Natural England Officers in the Essex Team have been working for more than two decades in collaboration with local partners to conserve and enhance biodiversity within the Greater Thames Estuary & Marshes area where Hadleigh Farm sits.  

Neil said: “This latest conservation project by The Salvation Army contributes an exciting re-wilding project to provide a naturally healthier environment for the benefit of wildlife and people to meet landscape-scale restoration and protected site objectives.” 

Michael Chapman of Land Partners has worked with The Salvation Army for the last five years as the farm consultant across the Hadleigh Farm estate.   

He said: “This has been a fascinating project to be involved with, taking land with relatively low arable productivity and looking to the future to create a variety of habitats to the benefit of the wider community and The Salvation Army. It’s been a busy period managing all the numerous parties involved in a project of this size and I am looking forward to seeing the project and the landscape evolve over the next generations.”  

The rewilding project is rooted in The Salvation Army’s key mission priorities of care for creation. In addition to ecological goals, Hadleigh Farm continues to support community outreach, education and training for vulnerable individuals.