Martley Habitat Bank

County: Worcestershire
Local planning authority (LPA): Malvern Hills District Council
National Character Area (NCA): Severn and Avon Vales
Biodiversity gain sites register number: BGS-040924003

Birds-eye render of Martley Habitat Bank before restoration

Biodiversity Units available:

Very high distinctiveness habitats

Lowland meadows

Medium distinctiveness habitats

Mixed scrub
Other neutral grassland

High distinctiveness habitats

Traditional orchard
Pond (priority habitat)
Species-rich native hedgerow with trees

Buy Biodiversity Units

Habitat Bank overview

At our Martley Habitat Bank, we’re transforming arable fields into a diverse mosaic of wildflower grassland, mixed scrubland, traditional orchard, hedgerows, and ponds – providing some incredible opportunities for native wildlife to thrive.

The site is strategically located near to pockets of ancient woodland, providing vital connectivity between our Habitat Bank and the surrounding landscape.

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 Malvern Hills District Council LPA and the Severn and Avon Vales NCA.

Coverage

Adjacent LPAs	Adjacent NCAs
Shropshire Council	Arden
Herefordshire Council	Cotswolds
Worcester City Council	Teme Valley
Wychavon District Council	Malvern Hills
Wyre Forest District Council	Dunsmore and Feldon
Tewkesbury Borough Council	Mid Severn Sandstone Plateau
Forest of Dean District Council	Forest of Dean and Lower Wye
	Bristol, Avon Valleys and Ridges
	South Herefordshire and Over Severn

Our vision

The Worcester Biological Records Centre (WBRC) has recorded a number of notable and protected species adjacent to the site, the majority of which are found within the Penny Hill Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Worcester Wildlife Trust Reserve to the east of the site, making our Habitat Bank a vital part of nature recovery in the area.

The enhancements we are making to the landscape will be instrumental in improving the quality and structure of the soil. This is particularly important as the Habitat Bank falls within a flood zone, making soil enhancements essential for increasing the land’s resilience against the worst effects of climate change.

With public footpaths along the eastern and southern boundaries of the site, the local community will be able to enjoy watching this incredible Habitat Bank develop over the coming decades. We anticipate an increase in species abundance within the local area for a range of protected and notable species while boosting habitat resilience within the local area.