Sleight Farm (Copy)

Species-rich grassland at Sleight Farm habitat bank, South West England

Habitat Bank · Bath & NE Somerset, West of England

Sleight Farm Habitat Bank

A 70-hectare registered habitat bank where former grazing land is being restored into species-rich lowland meadow, delivering Biodiversity Net Gain with lasting ecological value.

Area70 ha
BNG units374
StatusRegistered
Host LPABath & NE Somerset

Overview

A landscape in recovery

Sleight Farm is a 70-hectare registered habitat bank in South West England. Once a heavily grazed sheep and goat farm, the site is being carefully managed to allow species-rich grassland to re-establish, creating high-quality, locally available Biodiversity Net Gain for nearby development.

Through conservation grazing, carefully timed hay cuts and ongoing monitoring, the grasslands are beginning to reveal what remains within the site’s natural seed bank. Recent surveys recorded lowland meadow indicator species and the first bee orchid on the site.

30yrSecured & managed
5+Target habitat types
1stBee orchid recorded
Woodland edge and recovering meadow at Sleight Farm

Location & areas served

Where it is, and where it can help

Sleight Farm is well placed to serve nearby local planning authorities across the South West. The solid area is the local zone, the host LPA (Bath & NE Somerset) and National Character Area (Bristol, Avon Valleys & Ridges), where units apply at full value under the biodiversity gain spatial risk multiplier. The hatched area shows neighbouring LPAs and NCAs, where units remain eligible at an adjusted rate (0.75×). Beyond that, we deliver nationally.

LPAs served (trading area)

BathBristolNorth SomersetSouth GloucestershireSomersetStroud
Sleight Farm Full value (local LPA & NCA) Neighbouring (0.75×)

Habitat units & types

What’s available

Sleight Farm offers 374 registered BNG units across 70 hectares. Habitats are created and enhanced using proven, low-intensity farming practices to deliver measurable biodiversity gains.

374BNG units available
70haHabitat bank
7Habitat types
Habitat typeBroad group
Lowland meadowGrassland
Other neutral grasslandGrassland
Broadleaved woodlandWoodland
Mixed scrubScrub
Native hedgerowsHedgerow
Individual treesTrees
DitchesWatercourse
On-site delivery30-year managementBGS-281124001

Ecological ambition & long-term stewardship

Managed for at least 30 years

Species-rich grassland

Establishing lowland meadow through conservation grazing, timed hay cuts and green-hay spreading of locally adapted wildflower seed.

Structural diversity

Grazing by ponies and cattle creates variation in sward height and structure, supporting invertebrates, small mammals and reptiles.

Evidenced monitoring

Ongoing botanical and wildlife monitoring tracks progress year on year, from meadow indicator species to barn owls and a juvenile tawny owl.

Ready to talk units?

Secure Biodiversity Net Gain at Sleight Farm

Get in touch to discuss unit availability, habitat types, pricing and planning requirements for your development.

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