Chatley Farm, Cobham
Location:
Chatley Farm, outside of Cobham, Surrey
Local Planning Authority:
Elmbridge Local Planning Authority
National Character Area:
Thames Basin Heaths
Yield (number of units):
c.80 BNG offset units
Habitat Distinctiveness:
Various
Units available:
60.29 Other Neutral Grassland
24.45 Mixed Scrub
16.29 Traditional Orchard
3.43 River Units
6.76 Medium Hedgerow
6.21 Ponds, Non Priority
Units available from:
Now
Cost of units:
POA
Landscape and setting
The site lies within the River Mole Biodiversity Opportunity Area (BOA). BOAs identify the most important areas for wildlife conservation remaining in Surrey and each include a variety of habitats, providing for an ‘ecosystem approach’ to nature conservation across and beyond the county.
Habitat distinctiveness
Medium distinctiveness grassland and scrub (option of medium distinctiveness ponds and woodland or high distinctiveness grassland, subject to demand).
Management plans (what we intend to add):
Majority of the site is semi-improved species poor wet grassland (Other Neutral Grassland in poor condition) which will be enhanced to species rich wet grassland (Other Neutral Grassland in good condition).
An area of improved species poor grassland (Modified Grassland in poor condition) can be transformed into a woody habitat, subject to demand from customers.
Hedgerows onsite will be enhanced by improving the species diversity of the shrubby species and plant standard trees along its length.
The river Mole riverbank will see an increase of natural features and diversity of features along its riparian zone. This will include creation of temporary pools, species rich grassland, trees, and shrubs.
Habitats are the measurement of biodiversity for a Biodiversity Gain Site, and we agree that they underpin the framework for nature recovery in the UK. We see habitats as a canvas to paint a vision of nature which truly embraces the local environment. To do this we deep dive into the species which are the building blocks defining these habitats and try to focus the habitat creation, enhancement, and management on furthering locally important species.
One of the target priority species within the BOA is Greater Water-parsnip which is locally extinct and declining rapidly across the UK. This Biodiversity Gain Site brings with it opportunities to re-introduce this locally extinct species of principal importance (priority species) to deliver the BOA objectives in Surrey.
Other priority species which the project will be benefiting, and which are of local importance include;
1. Barn Owls.
2. Stag beetles.
3. Reed Buntings.
4. Grass snakes.
5. Round fruited rush.
6. Striped Mayfly.