Getting a return from unproductive land: The Hendred Estate
The Ridgeway is one of TOE’s strategic priority focus areas. Its long history of arable production means that the area is currently of low biodiversity value, so this site provided an excellent opportunity to improve biodiversity and connectivity within the landscape.
“The Farm Manager has over 30 years experience of farming in the area and is particularly interested in Regenerative Agricultural systems and integrating food production with nature conservation.”
The site before intervention, with Abbots Heath wood visible in the top-right hand side of the photo
The site
TOE approached this estate to see if a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) project would be a good fit within the farming business. The piece of land that was chosen for the BNG agreement was a section of an old gallop and an area of less productive arable land. TOE were pleased to work with the farm manager to develop the initial ideas into a deliverable project plan which will result in a biodiversity uplift of 20.24 Biodiversity Units.
“Biodiversity Net Gain felt like a good match to improve the biodiversity of this parcel of land while providing a good return for an area of the farm that was fairly unproductive.”
the plan
1.2 hectares of woodland will be created (15 mixed native species suitable for chalk soil were planted, which will eventually culminate in predominantly beech as the climax species) and the creation of about 4 hectares of species-rich chalk grassland, along with the enhancement of 1 hectare of neutral grassland brings the opportunity to deliver significant biodiversity gain. The opportunity is enriched further by the location of the site immediately adjacent to woodland and mature scrub allowing the creation of a mosaic of semi-natural calcareous woodland and grassland habitats, totalling c. 7.5 hectares. Having a biodiversity hotspot in this location will provide habitats for many beneficial invertebrates that will help manage pest species. The woodland will also provide a wind break and will improve soil health, providing structure to retain the water on a free-draining site.
