Residents have spotted fences being erected near farmland in Hadleigh, as The Salvation Army confirms the reason.

Several residents in the area have questioned why high fences have been erected around Hadleigh Marsh and the nearby farmland.

The fences on Salvation Army land come after the organisation revealed proposals to build homes on part of Hadleigh Farmland.

The plans received backlash from residents, who formed a campaign group against the proposal. 

After concerns from residents upon seeing fences, the Salvation Army has now confirmed that the fencing is part of its rewilding project.

Earlier this summer, plans were revealed to encourage an array of wildlife to make The Salvation Army’s Hadleigh Farm their home.

The church and charity joined forces with environmental regulator Natural England for an ambitious rewilding scheme.

On nine parcels of land, plant species native to wet grasslands will be introduced which is the preferred habitat for birds such as sparrows, skylarks, linnets, yellowhammers, grey partridges, wintering waders and wildfowl.

It is hoped that the the restoration of grassland will also encourage protected invertebrates including the great crested newt and slow worms to make Hadleigh their home.

Local people and visitors will notice fencing work, including scrub clearance around Hadleigh Castle and areas around the boundary of the marshland for this project.

More gates will also be installed to allow the rewilding land to fully establish and to maintain existing rights of way.

Work is set to continue throughout the summer until the end of 2024. Visitors will be able to enjoy the new space from various viewpoints from early next year.