Case study:
Wood Farm Habitat Bank

The Opportunity:

• A family-owned low-intensity cattle farm near Everdon in West Northamptonshire, farmed by the same family for over 40 years and home to the family themselves.

• With the family winding down their beef herd and stepping back from raising livestock, they wanted to explore BNG as a way to fund the long-term care of land they love - securing its future without needing to farm it themselves.

Our Role:

• We carried out the full ecological survey and desk study to determine what BNG uplifts were feasible on the site.

• We designed a landscape plan that delivers high distinctiveness habitat whilst maintaining the land's agricultural status - an important consideration for mortgaging and land use constraints.

• The plan was carefully designed around the family's existing farm assets and machinery, maximising the work the family can carry out themselves and minimising long-term contractor costs.

• We manage the full project lifecycle, including unit registration, developer allocation and 30 years of ecological monitoring.

Outcomes:

• A landscape plan that secures high distinctiveness habitat delivery - including species-rich grassland, hedgerow and watercourse enhancements - without compromising the agricultural character of the farm.

• Healthy long-term financial returns for the family, funded through BNG unit sales, with delivery structured around what they can manage themselves.

• A cherished family farm with a secured future - cared for, productive in a new way, and contributing to nature recovery in the Northamptonshire Uplands.

Status: Agreeing Legals