Local Context

Allwood Habitat Bank stands as our flagship habitat bank, neighbouring our head office. Located in Wigan Borough, Allwood Farm is Wigan’s first dedicated habitat bank.

This project plays a crucial role in supporting the Biodiversity Net Gain(BNG) framework, introduced under the Environment Act 2021, which mandates that all new developments leave biodiversity in a better state than before.

Allwood Habitat Bank exemplifies GEDG’s commitment to sustainable land management by transforming low-yield agricultural land into rich, diverse ecosystems. Situated between our two operational sites Morley’s Sand andGravel Quarry and Whitehead Landfill, this 30-hectare site is strategically designed to enhance biodiversity on a landscape scale.

Habitat

The site, which predominantly consists of Grade 3 agricultural land, is ideal for habitat enhancement, free of major environmental constraints.

Habitat improvement measures include:

  • Planting of 40 new trees and species-rich hedgerows to create interconnected wildlife corridors.

  • Restoration of ponds to support aquatic ecosystems and improved water quality.

  • Invasive species management, ensuring that the local flora and fauna can thrive.

  • Neutral grassland, which will be actively managed to achieve a good condition.

Social Value

The Allwood Farm Habitat Bank is firstly a project for nature conservation; however, it is also designed with community engagement at its heart. Enabling considered public access provides significant benefits to human health and mental wellbeing. GEDG uniquely supports local community access on its habitat banks, providing educational opportunities to local schools.

GEDG’s approach to this site will provide buyers of units with additionality in terms of species monitoring and community engagement. GEDG are retaining Middlemarch Environmental, owned by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, to monitor the habitat bank over the 30- year management period.