Lancashire Habitat Bank: Enhancing Upland Acid Grassland for BNG

Collington Winter Environmental supported the delivery of a habitat banking scheme on upland farmland in Pendle, Lancashire. The site was dominated by upland acid grassland, with baseline parcels recorded at moderate to poor ecological condition. Scattered trees and watercourses were also present across the site and were retained as important features within the wider habitat network.

Using the Statutory Biodiversity Metric, the existing habitats were assessed and a targeted enhancement strategy developed around the site’s characteristics and ongoing agricultural use.

The main focus was improving the condition of the upland acid grassland through adjusted grazing regimes using low-density cattle and sheep. Seasonal reductions or removal of livestock allow flowering plants to develop and set seed, while targeted rush management helps improve sward structure and species balance.

Existing trees and watercourses are retained and protected, with riparian buffers helping to maintain habitat connectivity and support wider biodiversity.

All enhancements are secured through a 30-year Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan, providing a framework for condition-led monitoring and adaptive management to ensure the intended biodiversity outcomes are achieved.

BNG Delivered

• 53+ biodiversity units through enhancement of upland acid grassland

Why Collington Winter Environmental?

Collington Winter Environmental provides independent, ecologist-led advice to landowners considering biodiversity net gain and habitat banking.

Our approach combines a strong understanding of BNG policy and the Statutory Biodiversity Metric with practical land-based solutions that can work in real-world farming environments.

Our experience includes:

• Independent, ecologist-led advice
• BNG policy and biodiversity metric expertise
• Practical habitat enhancement solutions
• Management and monitoring strategies
• Projects from initial survey through to secure delivery