Biodiversity Net Gain
Sutton Mead is generating Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units through the restoration and management of habitats across the site, including woodland, floodplain wetland mosaic, other neutral grassland, mixed scrub, traditional orchard, hedgerows, ponds, and individual trees.
The site lies within two overlapping BNG geography areas: the Wiltshire Local Planning Authority and the Blackmore Vale and Vale of Wardour National Character Area. This allows Sutton Mead biodiversity units to be traded on a 1:1 basis for developments located within either area.
What is Biodiversity Net Gain?
Biodiversity Net Gain is a system introduced in England through the Environment Act 2021. It requires most new housing and infrastructure developments to leave biodiversity in a measurably better state than before development takes place.
Before development begins, the ecological value of a site is measured using a standardised biodiversity metric. Developers must then demonstrate at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity after development.
Where sufficient gains cannot be achieved within the development site itself, developers can purchase BNG units from landowners undertaking habitat restoration elsewhere.
At Sutton Mead, BNG forms part of the long-term funding for the restoration and management of the land, supporting habitat creation, ecological monitoring, conservation grazing, woodland management, and wetland restoration over the decades ahead.
Why Sutton Mead?
The following characteristics make Sutton Mead well suited to developers seeking Biodiversity Net Gain units in Wiltshire and the Blackmore Vale.
A Nationally Significant Landscape
Sutton Mead is in the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, and lies within one of southern England’s most important chalk river catchments. The River Nadder – designated both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) – flows directly through the land, placing the site within a nationally significant ecological network. The close relationship between river, wetland, woodland, pasture, and floodplain habitats creates a connected and ecologically resilient system capable of delivering long-term biodiversity gains.
Strategic Location
The site sits within two overlapping BNG areas: the Wiltshire Local Planning Authority and the Blackmore Vale and Vale of Wardour National Character Area. This means biodiversity units can be purchased for developments within both these areas on a 1:1 basis. Part of the land is also recognised within the Wiltshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy as being of high strategic significance for nature recovery, strengthening the local relevance and strategic value of the habitats being created.
Connected Habitats
Habitat creation at Sutton Mead focuses on connected ecological systems rather than isolated habitat parcels. Woodland, wetland, meadow, scrub, hedgerow, pasture, pond, and river habitats are being designed to function together as part of a coherent and actively managed rural landscape. This joined-up approach supports long-term ecological resilience and durable habitat value.
Long-Term Stewardship
Sutton Mead is managed directly by Eeva Kuisma and Nick Radford, who live on site and lead the long-term restoration and management of the land. This direct long-term stewardship provides continuity, accountability, and ongoing management oversight throughout the lifetime of the BNG agreement.
Current Status
Sutton Mead’s BNG programme is being developed in partnership with Bidwells, providing developers with the assurance of a professionally designed habitat creation project.
Baseline ecological surveys and habitat planning are currently underway.
Further information on habitat availability, unit numbers, legal agreements, monitoring arrangements, and timelines will be published on this website as the project develops.