Nettlesworth Habitat Bank: Nature-First Biodiversity Net Gain Delivery in County Durham

Nettlesworth Habitat Bank is a 25-hectare Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) scheme in County Durham, transforming former arable cropland into a connected ecological mosaic of species-rich grassland, woodland, scrub and orchard habitat.

Positioned adjacent to Daisy Hill Local Nature Reserve, this 30-year scheme is designed to strengthen ecological networks in the Tyne and Wear Lowlands while creating a lasting community asset in a growing residential context.

This is not simply habitat creation.

It is long-term, stewardship-led BNG delivery grounded in evidence, governance and practical land management.

What Has Been Delivered?

The scheme will deliver:

• Approximately 15 hectares of species-rich neutral grassland

• Approximately 5 hectares of mixed scrub mosaic

• New broadleaved woodland to strengthen wildlife corridors

• A traditional orchard with 90 fruit trees

• Enhanced ditches and two new species-rich hedgerows

• Retention of irreplaceable fen habitat and existing hedgerows, trees and woodland parcels

A key feature is the incorporation of native Black Poplar cuttings sourced from Daisy Hill, supporting a nationally rare species and contributing directly to wider local conservation priorities.

Evidence-Led, Deliverable Design

Design decisions have been informed by comprehensive soil investigations and ecological baseline assessment, ensuring habitat proposals are suited to site conditions and can be delivered successfully.

The project is being delivered under Conservation Covenant with independent oversight from RSK Biocensus, providing long-term governance that safeguards ecological outcomes.

Monitoring, Adaptive Management and Risk

TNettlesworth has delivery constraints that are common on many schemes:

• Public Rights of Way

• Adjacent residential development

• Underground utilities

• Artificial drainage systems

These are addressed through a risk management framework and front-loaded monitoring.

Quarterly inspections during the establishment period will support early intervention and adaptive management, helping habitats establish successfully while maintaining compliance and ecological function.

BNG Units and Strategic Positioning

Nettlesworth Habitat Bank provides high-integrity off-site BNG units aligned with:

Primary LPA: Durham

NCA: Tyne and Wear Lowlands

Available habitat types include high and medium distinctiveness options across grassland, scrub, woodland, hedgerow, individual trees and watercourse enhancement.

I you are seeking credible, local BNG solutions in County Durham and surrounding planning contexts, Nettlesworth offers a nature-first approach with deliverability and long-term stewardship built in.

Field Works – your BNG site implementation and stewardship partner.