Situated between Stixwould and Wragby, our Minting Habitat Bank covers nearly 20 hectares of land. We’re transforming the existing landscape into a beautiful mosaic of scrub and grassland rich in native flora and fauna. We’re building ponds in naturally wetter areas of the site and establishing new woodland to connect the site with ancient woodland nearby. The adjacent woodland has records of nightingale which is on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, making it a key species for conservation. 

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 East Lindsey District Council LPA area or Central Lincolnshire Vale NCA. Our Units are ready to purchase now, subject to availability. 

Our Minting Habitat Bank is strategically located near to an area of broadleaved woodland identified as a priority habitat within the habitat network zone. By enhancing this land, we’re increasing connectivity to vital ancient woodland nearby. This includes Bardney Limewoods – a National Nature Reserve, Site of Special Scientific Interest, and Britain’s greatest concentration of small-leaved lime woodland. 

Throughout the new woodland and scrubland we are helping to develop both a canopy and an understory rich in a variety of species, encouraging natural vegetation and deadwood, and protecting the woodland from grounding pressures. Creating suitable habitats at the Minting Habitat Bank is essential for the recovery of nightingale in the area. This has included introducing dense vegetation and allowing the existing hedgerow to grow out naturally. 

By increasing biodiversity at the site and enhancing the quality of the soil, we are improving the landscape’s ability to drain surface water – which was previously prone to flooding during extreme rainfall. We’re not only creating new habitats but also enhancing the existing hedgerows to flourish.