Rycote Farm
Registered habitat bank · South Oxfordshire · Oxfordshire
Rycote Farm Habitat Bank
Registered BNG units, ready when your project needs them.
Host LPA: South Oxfordshire District Council · Registration: BGS-150725001
The habitat bank
A working farm, restored from the river outwards
Rycote Farm sits within a 300-acre, third generation working farm near Thame. Its 11.6-hectare habitat bank brings four less productive field parcels into a 30-year nature recovery programme, keeping the farm productive while making more room for nature.
Along the River Thame, neutral grassland is being restored to draw down excess soil nutrients and reduce run-off. Over time, this will create the conditions for wildflowers including cuckooflower, cowslip, oxeye daisy and meadow vetchling to return.
Further upslope, mixed scrub is being established with hawthorn, trees, herbs and wildflowers. Rides and glades will create varied edges and sheltered niches, helping the new habitat connect with the wider river corridor.
Location and areas served
Local to where you’re building
Near Thame in South Oxfordshire, Rycote Farm sits within the Upper Thames Clay Vales National Character Area and is positioned to support developments across Oxfordshire and neighbouring areas.
Planning context
The units
Registered units by habitat type
The registered mix of grassland and scrub can help meet medium-distinctiveness area habitat requirements, subject to trading rules and live availability.
| Registered habitat type | Broad group |
|---|---|
| Other neutral grassland | Grassland |
| Mixed scrub | Scrub |
Availability changes as units are reserved and allocated. Tell us what you need and we’ll confirm the right habitat types, quantities and current pricing.
Long-term stewardship
Restored for nature. Managed for 30 years.
We’ll create and care for the habitats over the long term, checking how they develop and reporting on progress. You’ll work directly with us throughout, with a team you can turn to as your project moves forward.
Grassland working for the River Thame
Seasonal cutting and removal is designed to reduce accumulated nutrients, help wildflowers establish and limit nutrient movement towards the river.
Scrub with a route to woodland
Hawthorn will shelter seeds carried by crows, jays and magpies, while mapped rides and glades create varied conditions for plants, invertebrates, small mammals and birds.
Monitoring the whole landscape
Ground surveys are supported by drone imagery, giving Biofarm a clearer view of drainage, habitat corridors, ridge and furrow and the river’s course. This helps the team track establishment, respond to change and evidence delivery over time.
Site information
Information for your project
Your BNG requirement
See if Rycote Farm Habitat Bank fits your development
Share your location, unit requirement and programme. We’ll confirm suitability, availability, pricing and next steps.
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