Sleight Farm: From family farm to BNG blueprint
Restoring grassland, woodland pasture, and wetland habitats on the Mendip Hills to support nature’s recovery and prove that biodiversity and development can thrive together.
Sleight Farm in a snapshot
Location: The Mendip Hills, Sleight Farm, Timsbury.
Size: 175 acres of grassland, scrub, woodland and wetland potential.
Objective: Increase biodiversity by creating a dynamic mosaic of habitats supporting the widest range of plant and animal species.
Approach: Minimum‑intervention, natural processes, and evidence‑led management; open collaboration with ecologists, farm management, and the local community.
Status: 2023 – present (active, phased restoration).
Our purpose & vision for the farm
Sleight Farm is Biofarm’s flagship project. Our vision is to restore and connect grassland, woodland pasture, and wetland habitats, building a resilient landscape where biodiversity increases year on year. The aim is a dynamic mosaic of grassland, scrub, woodland, and wetlands. In order to provide more species with the right places they need to thrive.
We set out with a clear strategy
What we have been working hard on to date:
Removed sheep grazing to allow vegetation recovery.
Annual grass cutting followed by the introduction of low numbers of mixed grazers: Longhorn cattle, Exmoor ponies, Tamworth pigs.
Removed internal fencing to restore free movement and create a dynamic vegetation mosaic.
Supplementary tree planting to enhance species richness and reinforce wood‑pasture character.
Created habitat piles from dying ash for deadwood‑dependent species.
Planned hydrology works: break up land drains, resurface springs, reconnect water to form wetlands, ponds, seasonal streams.
With four main focuses for the next three years
Maintain grazing and cut‑and‑collect to reduce soil nutrients and open space for wildflowers.
Introduce green hay to accelerate species‑rich grassland restoration.
Initiate hydrological restoration and woodland enhancement.
Encourage natural regeneration via reduced grazing pressure and adaptive management.
How we’re enhancing our natural habitats on the farm
Woodland
Canopy thinning and coppicing to increase light at ground level.
Planting native shrubs to build vertical structure.
Creating microclimates with deadwood; proactive pest/disease management.
Removing invasive rhododendron; mulching to support root health.
Maintaining scalloped edges to benefit edge‑dwelling species.
Veteran trees managed under bespoke, tree‑by‑tree plans.
Grassland
Grazing and light harrowing to create germination gaps.
Sowing seed mixes aligned to target communities.
Applying locally sourced green hay to boost wildflower diversity.
Wetlands
Reconnecting watercourses to create a mosaic of ponds, streams, wetland scrapes and seasonal flows.
Target species
We have our key target species (illustrative, priority list):
Marsh Fritillary, European Water Vole, Stag Beetle, Red Bartsia Bee, Tawny Mining Bee, Daubenton’s Bat, Common Nightingale, Lesser Bee Orchid, European Turtle Dove, Common Frog, Smooth Newt, Grass Snake.
Other threatened/priority species recorded or supported:
Barn owl, Brown hare, Skylark, Willow warbler, Snipe, Woodcock, Crossbill, Redwing, Fieldfare, Kestrel.
Lessons we’ve learnt along the way
Fewer fences, better function (eventually): Removing internal fencing created short‑term livestock challenges but stabilised with patient, excellent stewardship by our farm manager, James.
Weather rules the plan: Conditions require weekly and monthly adjustments; we’ve built more agility into our operations.
We’re already starting to see a positive impact
Hedgerows are recovering from historic sheep grazing.
Ancient oaks remain undisturbed; oak and beech saplings are emerging.
Scrub is developing, increasing structural diversity.
Grass hay yields ~35% higher than neighbouring farms despite a dry summer—an early signal that conservation‑led management is paying off.
Habitat units ready to support your project
Sleight Farm currently offers 393 habitat units across scrub, grassland, woodland, trees, and very high distinctiveness lowland meadow. Ready to be allocated to your project.
If you’re in Bath & North East Somerset and the surrounding area, and looking to meet your Biodiversity Net Gain obligations, we would love to hear from you.
Get in touch with Chris to learn more.