Editing Tiptree (section)

== Nature reserves ==
Tiptree Heath lies to the south of Tiptree. The 25-hectare [[heath]] is the largest surviving fragment of heathland in Essex and is a [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1004264.pdf |title=Tiptree Heath |access-date=19 July 2008}}</ref> Historically the area was a focal point for smugglers, who used the secluded water inlets of [[Tollesbury]], [[Salcott cum Virley]] and [[Mersea]], and often hid their contraband within the overgrown heathland. Species found on the heath include Cross-leaved Heather ([[Erica tetralix]]), Bell Heather ([[Erica cinerea]]) and Ling or Common Heather ([[Calluna]]). To help maintain the heath, [[Dexter cattle]] are grazed there during the summer<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tiptreeturner.co.uk/tiptreefront.html |title=Tiptree – The Story So Far |access-date=19 July 2008 }}</ref> and a herd of hardy [[Exmoor pony|Exmoor ponies]] throughout the year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tiptreeheath.co.uk/wildlife/pony.php |title=Ponies on Tiptree Heath|access-date= |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007134511/http://www.tiptreeheath.co.uk/wildlife/pony.php |archive-date=2011-10-07 }}</ref> [[Tiptree Parish Field]] is a [[Local Nature Reserve]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=15&N=&ID=1486 |title=Tiptree Parish Field |series=Local Nature Reserves |publisher=Natural England |date=27 February 2013 |access-date=10 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816130608/http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=15&N=&ID=1486 |archive-date=16 August 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=lnrIndex&query=REF_CODE%3D%271460486%27|title=Map of Tiptree Parish Field|series=Local Nature Reserves|publisher=Natural England| access-date=  10 July 2016}}</ref>