Cheffins has launched a 21-hectare Biodiversity Net Gain site at Pymoor in the Cambridgeshire Fens. With the ability to provide up to 127.53 Biodiversity Net Gain units, developers can purchase units to off-set their BNG requirements, in partnership with Oxwillow. The site is a pioneering nature recovery project with a vision to restore wildlife habitats on a significant scale.
Within the East Cambridgeshire Local Planning Authority, Oxwillow is situated in an area of strategic significance at the edge of the Ouse Washes, known for wintering and breeding wildfowl and waders. The Ouse Washes are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Ramsar wetland site, a Special Protection Area for birds and a Special Area of Conservation. Oxwillow provides the perfect stepping stone habitat, working in harmony with the adjoining natural environment.
Oxwillow have secured a section 106 agreement with the Local Planning Authority which commits the scheme to deliver the habitat bank for a minimum of 30 years. Owned by the Taylor family, Oxwillow was conceived in 2023, whereby the first phase of habitat banks was created, with a further phase expected in due course. The network of habitats is continually evolving, providing ‘readymade’ medium and high distinctiveness units including neutral grassland, ponds and native species-rich hedgerows.
The Taylor family are partnered with a series of stakeholders including Natural England, RSPB and The Wildlife Trust. This ensures that the Biodiversity Net Gain sites which are now on offer will deliver high quality habitats for key species, reductions in carbon emissions and providing extensive grazing land.
Katie Hilton, Director at Cheffins Rural Professionals comments: “Oxwillow gives an off-the-shelf option for developers to quickly and easily off-set new developments in the region and provides a credible long-term space to deliver their Biodiversity Net Gain obligations. By collaborating with the likes of The Wildlife Trust, the Taylor family have raised the bar for Biodiversity Net Gain sites in the region and have already created a diverse natural habitat.
Biodiversity Net Gain provides a fantastic opportunity for landowners to diversify their income streams, whilst contributing to improve and enhance the wider natural environment.
At Oxwillow, the Taylor family recognise this as a valuable legacy for generations to come, such is their passion for Biodiversity Net Gain and the positive impacts these new schemes could have on the Fenland countryside.”
Sarah-Jane Taylor, Director of Oxwillow says: “For us, nature recovery in The Fens underpins our vision and drives us to restore habitats across our farmland. As a family, our hope is to provide ecosystem services that will dovetail with our farming enterprise and wider local initiatives we are involved in, such as the Ouse Washes Landscape Recovery scheme. Leaving a legacy for the next generation is hugely important to us.”
Biodiversity Net Gain units at Oxwillow are available to purchase now through Cheffins, with competitive and flexible terms available.
For further information, please contact Katie Hilton katie.hilton@cheffins.co.uk or Jonathan Purkiss jonathan.purkiss@cheffins.co.uk or via 01223 213 777.