Grass snakes, slow worms and crested newts could soon be flourishing in a new nature reserve at Hockley.

A meeting of Rochford Councillors will tonight consider the creation of the reserve and the handover of management of the 3.25 hectare area of land to Hockley Parish Council.

The land, between Marylands Mount and Plumberow Mount, would be known as Marylands local nature reserve and is currently deemed as public open space.

The area proposed as the reserve forms a larger piece of land owned by Rochford District Council leased to Hockley Parish Council for 125 years from 1995.

The site has been the subject of development work that has thinned woodland, created two areas of natural scrub and a central path along with a looped path making it accessible for wheelchair users.

Wildlife would be brought to the site from nearby land if the plan goes ahead and would be expected to flourish.

Rustic benches would be installed at strategic locations, with the aim of offering a mix of woodland, green, marsh and running water to enhance the appeal of the site.

The meeting is proposed to resolve that the nature reserve plan goes ahead, with responsibilities for funding and management borne by Hockley Parish Council.

A management plan has been prepared by the parish council and a grant for £5,000 has been received towards the project from Essex Environment Trust.

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