Client: Oxygen Conservation

Date: July 2024 – April 2025

The Challenge

Oxygen Conservation required a comprehensive UK Habitats Survey to establish a baseline ecological assessment for approximately 68 hectares in the area of Leighon. The objective was to identify and map primary habitats while noting secondary habitats, providing a foundational dataset for future land management decisions.

The Solution

Land & Heritage conducted a UK Habitats Survey and Habitat Condition Assessment using a rigorous, standardised methodology. The survey was led by an experienced ecologist with deep expertise in habitat classification and ecological assessment. The surveys provided a measurable benchmark for tracking future habitat improvements, including:

• Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) baseline assessment

• MoRPh River Condition Assessment of all on-site watercourses

• BNG metric calculations for long-term ecological monitoring

The Result

• Comprehensive Baseline Report: A full habitat map and ecological descriptions for all surveyed areas.

• Data-Driven Management Decisions: The report provides a reference point for assessing the success of future restoration efforts.

• Scalable BNG Strategy: Optional assessments allow for the integration of Biodiversity Net Gain metrics, supporting long-term conservation planning.

• Measured Natural Capital: A measured baseline to register the area as a Biodiversity Gain Site for the sale of offsite BNG units for developers in the region.

Looking ahead

In Summer 2025 we are using the baseline data to create a BNG habitat management plan across the entire focus area, to maximise biodiversity benefit and natural capital investment opportunities to create market-leading BNG credits. Oxygen Conservation intend to register some areas as a BNG Habitat Bank.

Let’s talk

Need an accurate ecological baseline for your land management or restoration project? Reach out today to discuss your requirements.