District Council invests in nature with Habitat Banks

As part of the District Council’s commitment to sustainable growth, these sites will play a vital role in improving the district’s natural spaces. They will also help to balance the ecological footprint of the District Council’s new developments, enrich local habitats, support biodiversity and create lasting green spaces for wildlife.

These sites will help offset the ecological impact of the District Council’s new developments, while also improving the district’s natural spaces for wildlife and creating long-term benefits for nature and the community.

A BNG Habitat Bank is an area of land where habitats - such as grasslands, woodlands, or wetlands - are created or improved to increase biodiversity to offset the impacts of developments.

The four sites, already part of the Council’s land portfolio, have been carefully selected for their potential to deliver significant biodiversity improvements:

• Mill Field, South Clifton – A 4.16-acre grassland and pond area, which also has the opportunity to support community allotments and green space.
• Woodland near New Lane, Blidworth – A 5.48-acre former refuse tip now woodland, offering potential for woodland enhancement.
• Land off Newark Road, Wellow – 5.5 acres of arable farmland, available from December 2025, with potential for habitat creation.
• Land near Corkhill Lane, Normanton – Two parcels totalling 13 acres of farmland, available from May 2026, with strong potential for biodiversity uplift.

The District Council has approved a budget of £70,000 over two years to support the creation and management of these sites, which will be maintained for at least 30 years.

Councillor Simon Forde, Portfolio Holder for Climate and the Environment at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is a landmark moment for Newark and Sherwood. By creating our own Habitat Banks, we’re not simply meeting our legal obligations, we’re actively investing in the future of our local environment. These sites will become havens for wildlife, helping to revive our biodiversity and protecting our pollinators and the ecosystem.

“We’re leading the way in Nottinghamshire and beyond. This initiative shows how councils can use their own land to deliver real environmental benefits, while also supporting sustainable growth. It’s a win-win for nature, for our communities, and for responsible development.”

The District Council’s Ecology Team will oversee the habitat improvements, ensuring long-term ecological value and community benefit. The sites will be registered on the Government’s Biodiversity Gain Sites Register, with legal agreements in place to secure their protection and management for decades to come.