Biodiversity Net Gain in Leicestershire
Restoring ash dieback affected woodland to create a healthier, more diverse and resilient habitat for generations to come.
Restoring a woodland affected by ash dieback
Fire & Stars is developing a long-term woodland restoration and Biodiversity Net Gain project at Nethercote Woodland, near Newton Burgoland.
The woodland was planted in 2005. Some areas have developed successfully, while significant compartments are now in poor ecological condition because of severe ash dieback, low structural diversity and the limitations of the original plantation design.
Our aim is to replace failing ash-dominated areas with a healthier mix of native trees, shrubs, woodland edges, glades and wet habitats, supported by careful management for at least 30 years.
The project is in development. Biodiversity units are not yet available for purchase or allocation.
From decline to recovery
Current condition
- Ash-dominated plantation
- Severe ash dieback
- Limited species diversity
- Declining canopy
Restoration work
- Remove dead and failing ash
- Retain valuable habitat features
- Replant a diverse native mix
- Create glades, edges and understorey
Future woodland
- More diverse tree species
- Improved woodland structure
- Greater resilience
- Long-term habitat management
Established woodland in the heart of the National Forest
Nethercote Woodland lies near Newton Burgoland and is positioned to support local habitat improvement in North West Leicestershire and the wider East Midlands.
of woodland
within the National Forest
in significant compartments
proposed management period
A potential source of local off-site biodiversity units
An initial desktop assessment indicates that the whole-site project could potentially generate approximately 28 biodiversity units. This is a preliminary and deliberately conservative estimate.
The final number and type of units will depend on the detailed habitat survey, statutory biodiversity metric, agreed enhancement targets, spatial risk, strategic significance, legal securing and registration.
Units are not confirmed, advertised for sale or available for allocation at this stage.
Whole-site estimate subject to assessment and statutory processes.
Benefits beyond biodiversity units
Resilient woodland
A wider mix of native trees and shrubs, reducing reliance on a single species.
Improved wildlife habitat
More varied canopy, understorey, edges, glades, deadwood and wet habitats.
Long-term management
A defined programme of establishment, monitoring and habitat management lasting at least 30 years.
Local nature recovery
Biodiversity improvements delivered within the National Forest and close to local development.
From assessment to available biodiversity units
The ecological work is being completed in stages so that habitat uplift is evidence-led, deliverable and properly secured.
Baseline habitats and condition assessed.
Existing value and proposed uplift calculated.
Restoration measures agreed.
30-year HMMP prepared.
Appropriate mechanism agreed.
Gain site entered on the register.
Confirmed units matched to suitable developments.
Looking for off-site BNG in Leicestershire?
We welcome early, no-obligation conversations with developers, planning consultants, ecologists, land agents, infrastructure providers and local planning authorities.
Registering an interest does not reserve units or create an obligation.
Project questions
Are biodiversity units currently available?
No. The project is at the ecological assessment and feasibility stage. Units will only be described as available after the habitat baseline, statutory metric, management plan, legal securing and registration requirements have been completed.
How many units could the project generate?
An initial desktop assessment suggests approximately 28 biodiversity units across the whole-site project. This is preliminary, conservative and subject to change following survey work and statutory metric calculations.
Where is the proposed habitat bank?
At Nethercote Woodland near Newton Burgoland, within North West Leicestershire and the National Forest.
Is the project separate from the felling licence?
Yes. The approved felling licence permits necessary woodland operations and requires restocking. The BNG process separately measures and secures the additional ecological improvement created through better habitat design and long-term management.
Can the units be used for any development?
No. Suitability will depend on habitat type, trading rules, spatial risk, strategic significance and the requirements of the relevant local planning authority. Each development must be assessed by its professional team.
How can I register an interest?
Email hello@fireandstars.co.uk or call 07709 188827 with the development location, local planning authority, approximate unit requirement and anticipated date required.