Langley Abbey Environment Project

Biodiversity Net Gain for nature recovery

At Langley Abbey in South Norfolk, our Wilder Landscapes team is providing expert advice and delivery over 3 years to transform 19.5 hectares of semi-improved grassland into a species-rich meadow.  

Langley Abbey received green finance through a Biodiversity Net Gain agreement to carry out this work - allowing them to strengthen biodiversity on their estate whilst also supporting sustainable development across the region.    

Rob Smith, NWS Wilder Landscapes Adviser, explains more about our work with Langley Abbey.   

‘We began by surveying the grassland to determine the type of soil, what it had been previously used for, and the current mix of plants – this baseline information is essential to create a suitable management plan.

‘Once hay had been cut and removed, we harrowed some strips into the grass, creating areas of bare ground, ready for seeding into. Hand-collected local wildflower and grass seeds were then scattered into the prepared strips, with additional species introduced by using green hay from nearby donor sites.    

‘Our aim is to use seeds collected from the local area, but we did introduce a small supplemental seed mix which included yellow-rattle – a crucial plant for reducing competition from coarse grasses. We then used a tractor-pulled roller to achieve good seed to soil contact. To further help the enhancement work, we advised a routine of summer hay cutting followed by autumn grazing going forward.    

‘Over the next two years, we will carry out regular surveys on the enhanced grasslands – recording which plants are thriving and recording any wildlife that is benefitting. We found yellow-rattle seedlings in our first survey – which is great news!’

This project forms part of Langley Abbey’s wider 250-hectare nature recovery vision.     

‘The team have been incredibly helpful and supportive, and it has been a great comfort to know that we can rely on the significant expertise within the organisation. It’s also really encouraging to be working with seed and hay that is genuinely of local provenance, utilising the numerous donor sites managed by Norfolk Wildlife Trust, some only a handful of miles from Langley Abbey.’  

Henry Parkinson, Project Lead at Langley Abbey Environment Project