Enhancing Biodiversity

Our first feasibility field survey was completed in 2025 to establish Hoddy Cows Lane's biodiversity baseline, this was carried out by Josh Styles from Styles Ecology Ltd. Soon after followed the preparation and finalisation of the Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan (HMMP), this has enabled future scope to incorporate increased net gains for hedgerow, lowland meadow and other neutral grassland units to be established. 

Along with initial supplementary seeding, much of the grassland areas will partly be managed through appropriate grazing regimes and stock levels. These management processes should improve both floral and invertebrate diversity. We are also committed to allowing small mammals to thrive allowing continued foraging opportunities for our Birds of Prey and Owls!

Hoddy Cows Lane Biodiversity Reserve has become our first strategic reserve with further land acquisitions to follow. Our goal is to improve this land holding for native flora and fauna. We will be managing the reserve as per prescriptive measures prepared by Styles Ecology. These prescriptive measures outlined within the HMMP will likely increase not only botanical diversity but also a wider range of species and habitats with continued annual biodiversity monitoring informing on going management.  

A major tool in our approach to habitat management at Hoddy Cows Lane has been with the introduction of a permanent year round grazing herd of Highland Cows. This breed is perfect for managing the scrub, wetland and grassland habitats, with Highlands having varied browsing and grazing habits. Their horns and hooves also serve a purpose in bashing scrub and trampling the ground, this enables micro climates to generate across the site which then creates favourable conditions for invertebrates and an increase in plant life diversity which in turn has a positive knock on effect for other animal groups such as birds and mammals. 

The Highlands at Hoddy Cows Lane should not be approached or fed, there are currently no permissive access routes across the Biodiversity Reserve, however, the public footpath running from the village pond to the cliffs has several points to allow viewing across the reserve.

Alongside our BNG unit improvement commitments we will be providing a number of artificial features which will allow opportunities that will be closely monitored as to their successes to improve species diversity and usage. We are very fortunate to have a number of birds of prey and Owls which are frequently observed in the area. These will include but not limited to Kestrel, Barn and Little Owl nest boxes as well as Tree Sparrow nest boxes.  In addition features will be provided to improve opportunities for small mammals and invertebrates.

Beyond our commitment to monitor and establish botanical biodiversity improvements to enable off site BNG credits for development we are committed to monitoring a wide range of wildlife populations to assist us with measuring and gauging success in a more holistic approach. 

The grassland, scrub and wetland areas in and around Hoddy Cows Lane Reserve attract many migrant, nesting and wintering birds. Currently there are no rights of way over the reserve or permissive rights of way. We ask that visitors to the area use the rights of way and keep to the public pathways so not to disturb roosting or nesting birds.  We would like to thank the following contributors including; Mark Thomas, Jeff Clarke, Will Scott and Tim Harris for allowing us to use their wonderful photographs.

We welcome feedback, questions, and partnership opportunities. Reach out to us via email.