Whitehead Habitat Bank (Phase 1), located within Wigan Council is another exciting nature project for Green Earth Development Group (GEDG) and evidence of their commitment to BNG, renewable energy and regenerative land use.

Previously a colliery spoil tip, the site spans over 500 acres. It was used as a landfill site from the late 1990s until it was mothballed in 2012. Since then, it was largely overlooked, with little consideration given to its restoration.

However, since GEDG acquired Whitehead in July 2022, new life and energy have been brought to the site, turning it into a large-scale wildlife reserve with public access, delivering ecosystem services like flood mitigation, air pollution, and urban cooling. Whitehead’s regeneration blends clean energy, ecological restoration, and community benefit, turning a forgotten industrial site into a thriving green asset.

Whitehead is being designed as a flagship habitat bank with community engagement and education at its core. GEDG will establish strong links with local schools and interest groups, offering organised site visits and involvement in conservation activities.

Buyers of biodiversity units benefit from enhanced monitoring of endangered species, as well as health and education opportunities. Middlemarch Environmental, part of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, will oversee ecological management for 30 years.

Public access will be phased in:

• 2026: Perimeter path opens, connecting to existing public rights of way
• 2030: Internal permissive paths open post-restoration, built using recycled materials

This approach ensures early access to safe areas while restoration continues, delivering both ecological impact and community value.