Habitat bank being created at Bloxham
13/10/2025
They help developers offset the impact of building and aid Biodiversity Net Gain
The first “habitat bank” is coming to our area.
The idea is that an area of land is set aside where native species and ecosystems can flourish.
Cherwell District Council is helping create the bank at Ells Farm, near Bloxham, with support from the charity the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment.
Habitat banks help developers offset the impact of building and leave a net positive impact on biodiversity.
Under government planning rules, developers must enhance biodiversity by 10 percent or more when building new homes or infrastructure. This is known as Biodiversity Net Gain, which means that nature is left in a better state than it was before the building took place.
Where it is not possible to achieve this on the development site itself, developers can fund habitat creation elsewhere.
Cherwell’s Portfolio Holder for Planning and Development Management, Councillor Jean Conway, said: “We know our residents want to see an end to nature depletion and their local ecosystems thriving again. Planning legislation now puts much greater emphasis on the role developers should take in nature restoration, so I’m delighted that we’ve put pen to paper on the district’s first habitat bank.
“A greater volume and diversity of wildlife is a good thing for nature recovery, climate action, and for mental health. Habitat banks can include vibrant and valuable features such as native woodlands, ponds, and wildflower meadows.”
The land at Ells Farm is owned by Brian and Louise Pile. They said: “As a family who have farmed for generations, we are incredibly proud to be creating a habitat bank here at Ells Farm.
“For us, this isn’t just about diversification, it’s about looking after the land we love and securing its future for our children and grandchildren. Establishing new habitats and enhancing the ones we already have gives us a chance to give back to nature while still farming productively.
“We’re especially grateful to have worked in partnership with Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment, whose support has helped make this possible. It feels good to know that the steps we’re taking are part of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, so the changes we make here will link into a bigger picture of wildlife and landscape restoration. This is about legacy, care, and making sure the farm continues to thrive, both for our family and for the natural world around us.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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