Summerfield becomes first commercial investor in 120-acre Somerset nature restoration project

South West developer Summerfield has become the first commercial investor in a 120-acre nature restoration project at Wrangcombe Farm, near the Wellington Monument, funding improvements to native wildflower grasslands as part of a wider programme of biodiversity recovery.

Working with naturethrive, Summerfield is funding the restoration of two areas of previously improved grassland, covering 2.27 hectares, to significantly increase the diversity and abundance of native wildflowers and deliver measurable improvements in biodiversity as part of its approach to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).

Under current planning legislation, many new developments are required to deliver at least a 10% increase in biodiversity compared with the site’s pre-development condition.
Summerfield is investing in locally generated BNG units through naturethrive, helping it meet those obligations while supporting habitat restoration and enhancement within Somerset.

As well as investing in the restoration work, Summerfield plans to offer staff opportunities to volunteer on the site and learn more about the project as it develops.

The wider 120-acre site includes rare mire habitat, steep-sided wooded stream valleys known locally as “goyles”, heathland, ponds and areas rich in orchids. Public access is restricted to help protect sensitive habitats and ground-nesting birds.

James Holyday, Group Managing Director at Summerfield, said: “We are committed to operating in greener ways, from increasing our use of renewable energy to protecting and enhancing biodiversity.

“Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain effectively can be complex, particularly when it comes to securing long-term habitat management, so we are delighted to be working with naturethrive on a local restoration project where we can see the environmental benefits being delivered and maintained.

“It is particularly positive to be able to invest in a scheme close to home which will restore and enhance habitats while supporting our wider environmental responsibilities.”

Jonathan Withey, Director and Co-founder of naturethrive, said: “We really appreciate Summerfield’s commitment as our first commercial investor. Their support means we can move ahead with preparing and re-seeding the grassland and begin the long-term process of restoring these areas for wildlife.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the biodiversity benefits develop over the coming years.”To mark the partnership, representatives from Summerfield and naturethrive planted an oak sapling on the site. The sapling was relocated from an area of heathland where it had been struggling to establish, to an area of grassland close to a planned pond.