New Forest Natural Capital Scheme gains HMMP approval

Improving the habitat for Brent geese through grassland creation was highlighted within the HMMP

We are delighted to announce that the New Forest District Council and The New Forest National Park Authority have approved our Habitat Management & Monitoring Plan (HMMP) for the first phase of the Keyhaven Natural Capital Scheme.

The HMMP, a comprehensive plan outlining our commitment to deliver biodiversity net gain (BNG) on our farm at Keyhaven, has successfully met requirements for creating, enhancing, managing and monitoring the habitat over the next 30 years, demonstrating our long-term dedication to habitat management.

Detailed information about our objectives and vision for the site, to be managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, was shared within the plan, including the following:

• Diversify habitats on site to increase biodiversity.

• Maintain or enhance species interest on site.

• Create linkages and increase the robustness of other valuable wildlife habitats and species in the landscape.

Our strategy demonstrated key habitat management tools such as arable reversion to create permanent grassland with high biodiversity value by sowing rich native wildflower mixes. It also scheduled planting native hedgerows and scrub to benefit wildlife and enhance an existing ditch to encourage a wider variety of botanical species.

Opportunities from rural tree, hedgerow and scrub creation to improve habitat and connectivity for bats and foraging areas for badgers and Brent geese through grassland creation were all highlighted within the HMMP.

Alistair Emery, founder of Kingwell, is delighted with the approval of the HMMP for the Keyhaven Natural Capital Scheme:

“The HMMP has enabled us to demonstrate how the scheme will generate BNG units and nitrate mitigation credits to the highest standards. It also shows our commitment to creating wildlife corridors and retaining important habitats like ancient oak trees. We are confident that the Keyhaven site will be a tremendous success with our robust management plan.”

For more information or to buy BNG units or Nitrate Mitigation credits, please get in contact.