Case Studies

Realising value for our clients

Blenheim Estate Environmental Masterplan

Wiston Estate BNG scheme

We applied technical expertise from multiple disciplines to produce a compelling environmental masterplan for 950 ha of the Dorn and Glyme Valley within Blenheim Estate. The masterplan focused on four key themes: biodiversity, regenerative agriculture, education and community engagement.

We reviewed the biodiversity baseline assessment and identified four key areas for environmental enhancement, which we then analysed to determine an implementation strategy involving areas to dedicate for BNG and those to be funded from alternative sources.

The masterplan will play a key role in helping the estate achieve its environmental and sustainability goals.

Case Studies

We supported the BNG initiative at Wiston Estate by overseeing the development of the s106 agreement with South Downs National Park and marketing and selling the biodiversity units generated. We negotiate sales, agree heads of terms for option and sales agreements, and review the agreement development with the solicitors involved.

Our input has facilitated the sale a significant number and value of biodiversity units. We continue to work with Wiston Estate to support the delivery of the second phase of BNG and broker the biodiversity units generated.

Strawberry Hill Purchase

Oxygen Conservation environmental strategies and BNG schemes

The property was acquired on behalf of the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants using funds from Esme Fairburn and other ‘patient’ lenders with corresponding leases and option agreements put in place. Strawberry Hill Farm is central for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire and is one of the most exciting land acquisitions in the Wildlife Trust’s history. The land has already been left to rewild for 25 years, forming the largest area of scrub and secondary woodland in the region. With Grade II listed farmhouse, traditional buildings and land, the site also presents an ideal location for a nature-based visitor attraction.

Case Studies

We worked with Oxygen Conservation to develop environmental strategies for two of their estates (Mornacott Estate and Manor Farm, Shropham) which set out the potential land uses across the estates, funding opportunities and recommendations for the future farming operations and how this can evolve to facilitate the conservation outcomes.

We then supported the establishment of a BNG scheme within each estate with key areas of our involvement being the provision of advice on the commerciality of habitat creation and enhancement opportunities, the delivery structure to manage risk, and the legal agreements. We are also appointed to broker the biodiversity units generated here.

Cambridgeshire County Council BNG scheme

We identified an optimal location for establishing a landscape scale BNG initiative at Lower Valley Farm, South Cambridgeshire, which is located within the Cambridge Nature Network project and lies adjacent to the Roman Road SSSI. In partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council we are delivering strategic habitat creation across the c. 140 ha site which maximises environmental outcomes and will be managed in a cost-effective manner.

We appointed ecologists to conduct a biodiversity baseline survey and worked with them to develop the HMMP which details the habitat proposals and the management regime. Furthermore, we worked closely with the County Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council to develop the s106 agreement for the scheme.

Our input to date has ensured that BNG will form a significant part of land management on the farm going forward. We continue to work with the County Council to ensure successful delivery of the scheme and broker the biodiversity units created. To date we have sold over 70 biodiversity units from this scheme, with numerous other quotes issued to developers.