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

High distinctiveness habitats

Ponds (priority habitat)
Species-rich native hedgerow with trees
Traditional orchards

Medium distinctiveness habitats

Mixed scrub
Other neutral grassland

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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

Across our network of Habitat Banks, our specialist team always evaluates the land from the outset to determine how we can best achieve our biodiversity gains. This includes assessment of our sites’ native wildlife and existing vegetation, management history, hydrology, geology, and its wider connectivity in the local area.

Using the statutory biodiversity metric, we take baselines for each of our Habitat Banks. We carefully consider and design the best habitats to establish in order to maximise our long-term biodiversity gains.

Neighbouring LPAs
Wyre Forest District Council
Worcester City Council
Shropshire Council
Herefordshire Council
Tewkesbury Borough Council
Wychavon District Council
Forest of Dean District Council

Neighbouring NCAs
Cotswolds
Bristol, Avon Valleys and Ridges
Teme Valley
South Herefordshire and Over Severn
Malvern Hills
Mid Severn Sandstone Plateau
Forest of Dean and Lower Wye
Dunsmore and Feldon
Arden

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.