Our Bolsterstone Habitat Bank covers nearly 20 hectares just northeast of Stocksbridge and lies adjacent to a Local Nature Reserve. We’re transforming the existing grassland into beautiful wildflower meadows rich in native flora and fauna. We’re really excited for the opportunities for ecological connectivity this site is offering for the surrounding area.

Following a thorough assessment of the site's vegetation, wildlife, geology, hydrology, soil chemistry, management history, and landscape connectivity, we determined the best possible habitats to establish and made sure these enhancements would be deliverable. We established an ecological baseline for the site using Defra’s biodiversity metric, so we can clearly demonstrate biodiversity gains over time.

This assessment enables us to generate a range of high-integrity Biodiversity Unit habitat types that will ensure robust ecological outcomes. We also offer planning support to make sure our Biodiversity Units provide an effective local BNG delivery solution for developers within the Sheffield City Council LPA area or Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe NCA. Our Units are ready to purchase now, subject to availability.

The Bolsterstone Habitat Bank strategically lies within Natural England’s Network Expansion Zone and sits on the doorstep of the Peak District National Park. It also sits adjacent to a series of Local Wildlife Sites. This makes it the perfect location to connect habitats with the surrounding region, allowing us to effectively restore the land to its historic landscape. 

Across the site, we are creating a series of species-rich lowland meadows. These will be traditionally managed with hay cuts and aftermath grazing with conservation cattle. This site will also include new and enhanced pockets of scrub, and we will be enhancing the existing woodland to the south which will benefit existing adjacent ancient woodland. 

A Public Right of Way (PRoW) lies across the southwest of the Habitat Bank, just outside of the woodlands along the southern boundary. We’re thrilled that the local community will be able to witness as this site continues to develop over the coming decades.