Croston farmland to become Chorley's first wetland habitat bank for wildlife
Arable land at Isle of Man Farm will be transformed into reedbeds, ponds and meadows
Farmland in Croston is set to be transformed into a wetland landscape for wildlife, in what will be Chorley's first-ever habitat bank.
The project at Isle of Man Farm will turn land previously used for intensive farming into a mix of habitats designed to support plants, insects, birds and other wildlife.
South Ribble Borough Council said the site marks a significant milestone for biodiversity and nature recovery in the borough.
What is a habitat bank?
Habitat banks provide an off-site option for developers who can't meet their biodiversity targets within their own development sites.
By creating, restoring and managing natural habitats over the long term, habitat units are generated that can be used to support Biodiversity Net Gain requirements.
Biodiversity Net Gain is a statutory requirement that ensures development leaves the natural environment in a measurably better state than before.
From farmland to wetland
The Croston site sits within an area of historic drained fenland and has been farmed since drainage systems were introduced in the 1800s.
Its natural soil conditions make it well suited to creating a floodplain wetland mosaic habitat.
Plans include restoring species-rich grassland meadows alongside the creation of reedbeds, ponds, ditches, fen habitat, wet woodland and scrub.
The council said the transition will not only boost biodiversity but also help build resilience to environmental challenges and improve the ecological value of the land for at least the next 30 years.
Learning opportunities for children
The site is also home to Fairy Bridge Nursery, which provides care and education for around 60 children aged between two and five.
The developing habitats will offer an outdoor learning environment, allowing young children to engage directly with nature and wildlife as part of their early years' development.
What's been said
Cabinet member for Planning and Development, Councillor Alex Hilton, said: "The establishment of Chorley's first Habitat Bank is incredibly exciting and a significant milestone for biodiversity and nature recovery in the borough.
"Projects like this demonstrate how land can be used to support wildlife, enhance habitats, and help meet the requirements of Biodiversity Net Gain, while also delivering wider benefits for local communities."
He thanked the landowner of Isle of Man Farm, David Harrison, and Townsend Chartered Surveyors for their work on the scheme.
Hugh Townsend, Founder of Townsend Chartered Surveyors, said: "It has been a pleasure to assist Mr Harrison on this project.
"With the impact of climate change and the increasing pressures on conventional agricultural activity felt all around us, this project aims to secure a viable, long-term future for his farm by delivering meaningful biodiversity and environmental improvements whilst preserving the character of the Lancashire and Amounderness landscape for future generations.
"We look forward to helping Mr Harrison with the monitoring and management of the Habitat Bank over the next 30 years."