Since the spring of 2024, we’ve been creating a Habitat Bank across roughly 25 hectares of grade 4 and 5 farmland less than four miles from Rochdale. Strategically placed to connect habitats across the area, the Newhey Habitat Bank is just beside the Crompton Moor Site of Biological Importance (SBI), a designated site that will benefit from connectivity to our Habitat Bank.

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 Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Councill LPA area or Southern Pennines NCA. Our Units are ready to purchase now, subject to availability.