Cheshire Habitat Bank: Delivering BNG Through Farmland Habitat Creation and Enhancement

Project Overview

Collington Winter Environmental was appointed to deliver a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) habitat banking scheme at Brookfield Farm in Cheshire, working with a private landowner to identify opportunities to enhance biodiversity while maintaining the long-term potential of the agricultural holding.

The project involved transforming areas of low-distinctiveness baseline habitat, including improved grassland, into a more diverse network of habitats with greater ecological value. Existing landscape features, including hedgerows, ponds, woodland blocks and field drainage features, provided a foundation for a wider habitat enhancement and creation strategy.

Using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric, Collington Winter Environmental assessed baseline conditions, quantified existing biodiversity value and developed a targeted strategy for habitat improvement and creation.

Our Approach

A key element of the project was enhancing modified grassland into species-rich neutral grassland through overseeding and revised cutting regimes. This was supported by the creation of new habitats in suitable areas of the farm, including orchards, woodland and mixed shrub, to increase ecological diversity and provide additional opportunities for wildlife.

Existing hedgerows were strengthened through gapping-up and native planting, alongside the creation of additional hedgerows to improve habitat connectivity and establish wildlife corridors. Ditch creation and enhancement also formed part of the strategy, helping to increase aquatic and marginal habitat diversity.

The scheme was designed to create a connected network of habitats across the farm, linking grassland, woodland, hedgerows and watercourse features to support long-term ecological resilience.

The Cheshire Habitat Bank at Brookfield Farm demonstrates how agricultural land can be diversified to deliver measurable biodiversity improvements while retaining its wider rural value.

Through targeted habitat enhancement and creation, Collington Winter Environmental established a diverse habitat network with the potential to support local wildlife and generate off-site BNG units. The project also provides the landowner with a structured approach to long-term habitat management, creating opportunities for environmental enhancement alongside agricultural interests.

Brookfield Farm highlights the potential for private landowners and farmers to create long-term ecological and commercial value through habitat banking, supported by specialist ecological assessment, habitat design and management planning.