Warboys - Huntingdonshire
BNG MITIGATION SITE
Situated within Huntingdonshire LPA and the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Claylands NCA, the site is the first phase of our plans to bring forward a larger area for biodiversity uplift of over 200 acres. Just a few miles from Huntingdon, St Ives and close to settlements at Warboys and Ramsey. Ideally placed to mitigate development in the surrounding area.
The project involves the restoration of over 200 acres of historically intensively farmed arable land of marginal quality. Included is over 2km of both banks of the High Lode River which will benefit from restoration, with expected benefits to the current issue of downstream flooding. The river corridor and riparian zone have already been identified in the Huntingdonshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy and we hope to build on the identified areas for improvement.
It is envisaged that, within the flood plain, we can create areas for new ponds and wetland creation that will have a significant benefit for the whole area and the local wildlife which is currently very limited.
Species rich grassland and scrub planting will support invertebrates, pollinators and birds like yellowhammer and skylark. Fine grasses and dogwood will provide food sources for caterpillars.
A footpath crosses the western boundary of the site where education boards will be placed to inform walkers what they might expect to see.
Plans include:
Planting bespoke wildflower and herb seed mixes to enrich grassland biodiversity,
Reinforcement and addition to hedgerows to preserve and enhance traditional field boundaries,
Planting of mixed scrub field boundaries to support local flora and fauna,
Restoring over 2km of High Lode River,
Creation of ponds and wetlands in the flood plain of the river.
The overall scheme has been designed with careful consideration to the restoration of the land and improving its connectivity to the adjacent areas of locally important biodiversity.
In due course, the aim is that the site at Warboys will develop into a locally significant project of large-scale nature restoration with biodiversity improvements combined with improvements to the watercourse and flood plains.
The river and floodplain works should also have measurable improvements to the on-site water storage capacity that will reduce downstream flooding risks.
This regionally significant project highlights our ability to transform monocultures into thriving, interconnected ecosystems that support both biodiversity and wildlife with larger community benefits.
Units are available as detailed below
Other Neutral Grassland Medium Distinctiveness Mixed Scrub Medium Distinctiveness
Native Hedgerows. Medium Distinctiveness
Ponds Medium Distinctiveness
Watercourses High Distinctiveness
