Points of Conservation Significance at Hylands
Good range of habitats within the wood-pasture, including ancient woodland, calcareous
to acid grassland, good numbers of veteran trees, still and running fresh water and good
quantity of dead-wood
Healthy biodiversity, but concentrated in some parts of the park
Virtually no pesticides used in the wider park - ie fungicides or herbicides. Grasslands not
treated with fertiliser. Some herbicides used in formal gardens - it would be helpful if
fungicides or fertilisers were not considered for use on some of the older lawns
Now that the formerly cultivated fields in the north part of the park have been reclaimed,
there is no ploughing at Hylands - deep ploughing can disturb the root-plates of veteran
trees and pesticides and fertilisers used on crops can also be detrimental
The large (577 acres) compact size of Hylands is good for conservation and since a past
owner (J. Attwood) closed the roads and presumably shut-off the footpaths (ie terminated
all public access) the park has no problems with excessive vehicular traffic or its associated
immediate pollution
It is a working wood-pasture of sorts, with the grasslands being cut for hay and at least
some grazing pressure being maintained by a herd of fallow deer
The trees are probably some of the best managed veteran trees in Essex
Currently very well-managed for its wildlife, much more should be made of its potential
for education in the sphere of conservation management of historic park landscapes
Only moderate human disturbance for most of the year
Fifty-nine Red Book Data Book or nationally notable species recorded from the park
Home to some 150+ species of saproxylic invertebrates
Fourteen Biodiversity Action Plan species recorded
Essex Parks: Section 2 - Hylands Park
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