Cockermouth Habitat Bank
- County
- Cumbria
- Local planning authority (LPA)
- Cumberland Council
- National Character Area (NCA)
- West Cumbria Coastal Plain
Biodiversity Units available:
Very high distinctiveness habitats
- Lowland meadows
High distinctiveness habitats
- Ponds (priority habitat)
Medium distinctiveness habitats
- Rural tree
- Mixed scrub
- Other woodland; mixed
- Other woodland; broadleaved
Habitat Bank overview
On the edge of the Lake District National Park, our ecologists are transforming more than 70 acres of farmland, including more than a dozen sheep pasture fields, into a biodiverse space where key habitats will be able to flourish.
Our work will play an effective role in building stronger ecological connections across the Cumbrian landscape, with the neighbouring River Derwent and Tributaries Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) connecting the Habitat Bank to ancient woodland at Oakhurst Wood and the Sandybeck Meadow National Nature Reserve (NNR).
BNG delivery
At every Habitat Bank, we always look at the land to determine what can be achieved from the very start. Our biodiversity experts assess the soil, wildlife, vegetation, geology, hydrology, management history, and connectivity across the local landscape.
We take a baseline for each Habitat Bank using the statutory biodiversity metric. We carefully select the best possible habitats for us to establish so we can deliver and demonstrate measurable biodiversity gains over time.
Biodiversity Units from this Habitat Bank are ready to purchase now, subject to availability. Provided alongside expert planning support, these Biodiversity Units offer an effective local off-site BNG solution for the Cumberland Council LPA and the West Cumbria Coastal Plain NCA.
Coverage
| Adjacent LPAs | Adjacent NCAs |
|---|---|
| Northumberland Council | Solway Basin |
| Lake District National Park | Cumbria High Fells |
| Northumberland National Park | South Cumbria Low Fells |
| Westmorland and Furness Council | Morecambe Bay Limestones |
Our vision
With the Lake District High Fells Special Area of Conservation (SAC) nearby, Cockermouth Habitat Bank has been strategically placed to have a large-scale positive impact on nature, supporting Cumbria biodiversity priorities and green infrastructure in Allerdale.
The entire south side of the Habitat Bank is bordered by its namesake watercourse, the River Cocker which flows into the River Derwent SSSI. By halting the use of intensive fertiliser across the Habitat Bank, we’ve dramatically reduced the runoff pollution going into the river, helping to restore the SSSI in line with local nature targets.
The new habitats we’re creating are designed to help improve the health and resilience of the soil, with the potential to make the fields far more capable of natural flood mitigation. Parts of the Habitat Bank fall into flood zones, so these enhancements stand to benefit the surrounding area.
We’re hoping to support a number of notable species native to the area, including otters, red squirrels, and soprano pipistrelle bats. With two public footpaths nearby, we’re excited for local people to be able to enjoy the Habitat Bank and witness an increasing abundance of wildlife over the years.
Buy BNG Units
Find out the cost and availability of Biodiversity Units from Cockermouth Habitat Bank.
